Police Arrest Suspected NSCDC Operative, Two Others Over Alleged Robbery

Police Arrest Suspected NSCDC Operative, Two Others Over Alleged Robbery

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspected operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) alongside two other individuals over their alleged involvement in armed robbery, following an intelligence-led operation in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

The arrest was confirmed on Sunday in Awka by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who stated that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by the command to strengthen security operations in Anambra State and curb criminal activities across the region.

According to the police, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, acted on credible intelligence to raid a suspected criminal hideout in Ogidi at about 1:46 p.m. on March 21, leading to the arrest of four suspects, including the alleged security personnel.

The suspects were identified as Francis Anen (46), Emmanuel Obi (29), Okoye Chinoso (35), and an alleged serving member of a security agency whose full identity was not immediately disclosed.

During the operation, officers reportedly recovered two locally made Beretta pistols, four rounds of live 9mm ammunition, and a suspected fake security agency identity card. The recovered items are believed to have been used in facilitating criminal operations, including robbery, kidnapping, and intimidation of residents.

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Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects may be part of a wider criminal network operating within Ogidi and surrounding communities. Investigators are also probing possible links between the suspects and other violent crimes in the area, including the killing of the late President-General of Ogidi.

In a related development, the police also announced the recovery of a suspected stolen white petrol tanker along the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway. The vehicle was discovered by officers attached to the Ozubulu Police Division on March 17.

The tanker was found abandoned without a registration number and with the key still in the ignition, raising suspicions of theft or attempted concealment. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owner and determine the circumstances surrounding the abandonment.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that investigations into both incidents are still ongoing, with the aim of uncovering the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identifying any additional accomplices.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the state. He also urged residents to support crime prevention efforts by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

The latest arrests highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat armed robbery in Anambra, as well as other forms of violent crime such as kidnapping and cult-related activities. Security agencies have continued to rely on intelligence gathering and coordinated raids to dismantle criminal networks operating within communities.

Authorities emphasized that no individual is above the law, adding that any security personnel found culpable of criminal activity will face prosecution in accordance with due process.

Police Arrest Suspected NSCDC Operative, Two Others Over Alleged Robbery