- Safiu Kehinde
The Anambra State Police Command has neutralised a 21-year-old suspected cultist and armed robber allegedly terrorising Amikwo community in Awka, the state’s capital.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to Ikenga, operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, had acted in the early hours of Monday, carrying out a raid on the hideout of the suspect.
“Operatives recorded the death of one Solomon Chukwuma, 21, an alleged armed robber and notorious cultist,” Ikenga said.
He said the suspect was neutralised while attempting to escape during a search operation at his hideout where some firearms were recovered.
“During the search, one pump-action gun, two locally made pistols and expanded ammunition were recovered,” The police spokesperson added.
Ikenga said officers also repelled an ambush by other gang members during the operation.
“Blood stains at the scene suggest some hoodlums escaped with varying degrees of bullet injuries,” he said.
He explained that residents of Amikwo initially apprehended the suspect and handed him over to police for investigation.
According to him, community members alleged the suspect had terrorised the area with firearms.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to membership of the ‘Supreme Vikings Confraternity’, also known as ‘Baggars’.
He also admitted possessing operational weapons belonging to the confraternity, Ikenga said.
The police spokesman said the suspect further confessed to working for a man known as ‘Aza Man’.
He described the individual as a notorious figure allegedly involved in criminal activities disturbing the peace of Awka and surrounding areas.
Ikenga said operatives were acting on leads provided to arrest the gang leader and other members.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterates the command’s commitment to combating cultism, armed robbery and violent crimes,” he said.