Anambra vigilantes arrest 8 IPOB/ESN members, recover deadly weapons
In a recent operation conducted by the Anambra Vigilante Services, a total of eight individuals suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) were apprehended in Awka and its surrounding areas.
The news was confirmed by Chief Chikodi Anarah, the Commissioner for Homeland Matters in Anambra State, during a press briefing in Awka.
The vigilantes not only arrested the suspects but also successfully recovered arms and ammunition from them.
This comes after a string of gunmen attacks in the state, including the kidnapping of at least four individuals over the past few days.
Among the incidents, three individuals were kidnapped along the Ifite-Amansea-Awka Road and Agulu-Oraukwu Road in Awka South Local Government Area and Anaocha LG respectively.
The state capital has unfortunately seen a rise in kidnappings and cult-related killings, with 14 reported incidents.
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The arrested suspects included three individuals intercepted at the Amansea boundary of Anambra and Enugu states, as well as four others in their late 20s allegedly involved in snatching phones from commuters in Keke tricycles in Awka.
Chief Anarah emphasised that the arrests were made in response to the escalating violence and crime in the area, with the vigilantes actively working to restore safety and security.
Additionally, three individuals who had been kidnapped were rescued thanks to tips provided by concerned members of the public about the suspects’ hideouts.
Reports indicate that the arrested suspects were operating from outside of Anambra State, conducting their criminal activities and then leaving the state after each operation.
Anarah said, “The AVG arrested about eight suspected gunmen terrorising the state in recent times. Although information about the suspects cannot be made public as it would affect investigations and operations of security operatives.”
Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Anambra Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police have commenced the combing of relaxation centres in the state to fish out other criminal elements.
Ikenga said the police had earlier warned against harbouring cultists in the state.
He said, “The command has reiterated its advice to proprietors of hotels, drinking bars and other relaxation centres to be mindful of the characters of those that patronise them as the government would not hesitate to close down anyone that is discovered as a take-off point of operations by those criminal elements.”
Proofreading and editing by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
