Anambra Police Arrest Three Armed Robbery Suspects in Agukwu-Nri: Cars, Phones, and Gun Recovered

 

In a bold and successful move to rid Anambra State of violent criminal elements, the Anambra State Police Command has apprehended three suspected armed robbers known for terrorizing residents and forcibly taking their belongings at gunpoint. The police operation, which took place on May 30, 2025, in Agukwu-Nri, located in Anaocha Local Government Area, led to the arrest of three young men believed to be part of a larger armed robbery syndicate.

Who Are the Suspects?

The arrested suspects have been identified as:

• Monday Onoja

• Sanusi Muhammed

• Kenneth Nwokpu

All three suspects are males and fall within the age range of 27 to 32 years. These young men are alleged to be active members of a robbery gang that specializes in stealing high-value items, particularly luxury vehicles and mobile phones, often at gunpoint.

How They Were Caught

According to a press statement released on Monday, June 2, 2025, by the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrests were the result of a confession made by another armed suspect currently in police custody.

Ikenga said that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), a specialized anti-crime unit based in Awkuzu, acted swiftly on the new intelligence. The RRS team moved in on the suspects and successfully arrested them in Agukwu-Nri without allowing time for escape or further criminal activity.

In his exact words, SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated:

“Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu in the early hours of May 30, 2025 acting on information obtained from an armed suspect in custody arrested one Monday Onoja, Sanusi Muhammed, Kenneth Nwokpu all males and within the age bracket of 27 – 32 years.”

What the Police Recovered

Beyond the arrests, the operation also yielded significant recoveries that confirmed the criminal nature of the suspects. Among the recovered items were:

• One automatic pump-action gun – A lethal firearm often used in violent robberies.

• A white Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic with registration number KWC 140.

• An ash-colored Lexus 350 with registration number 669 CY.

• Two exotic mobile phones, which are believed to be stolen from robbery victims.

These recovered items are crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation and are also important steps toward reuniting victims with their stolen property.

SP Ikenga continued in his statement:

“The team also recovered one automatic pump action gun, and items suspected to have been stolen from victims which include a white Mercedes Benz C300 4matic car with Reg No: KWC 140, ash Lexus 350 car with Reg No: 669 CY, and two exotic phones.”

Ongoing Investigation and Manhunt

While this breakthrough is commendable, the Anambra State Police Command has made it clear that their job is far from over. The arrest of these three individuals has opened the door to a broader investigation. Authorities believe there are more members of the robbery gang still on the run, and the police are intensifying efforts to bring them to justice.

In Ikenga’s words:

“The operatives have expanded investigations and emplaced every necessary measure to arrest other gang members that are currently at large.”

This means that detectives and special operatives are actively tracking down other members of the syndicate who may have fled the area or gone into hiding following the arrests. The police are leaving no stone unturned in dismantling the entire criminal network.

A Proactive Strategy Against Crime

This recent development marks yet another milestone in the Anambra State Police Command’s commitment to combating violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms and high-value theft.

SP Ikenga summed up the success of the operation by highlighting the Command's proactive strategy:

“This development highlights the command’s proactive approach to potentially disrupting all criminal networks in the state.”

This statement reinforces the fact that the current leadership of the Anambra State Police is not waiting for crime to happen before taking action. Instead, the command is using intelligence-led policing—a method that combines community information, confessions from detained suspects, surveillance, and rapid response to strike criminals before they can strike innocent citizens.

Community Support and Public Vigilance

The success of this operation would not have been possible without valuable information provided by members of the public, including the confession from a suspect already in custody. This goes to show that collaboration between the police and community members is essential in the fight against crime.

The Anambra Police Command continues to encourage residents to:

• Report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.

• Avoid taking laws into their own hands.

• Use the official police hotlines in case of emergencies or sightings of wanted criminals.

By doing so, citizens play a key role in making Anambra State a safer place for all.

The Bigger Picture: Crime in Anambra and the South-East

Armed robbery, carjacking, and violent crimes have been persistent issues in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the South-East region. Criminal syndicates often target urban areas where luxury cars and high-end gadgets are common. However, thanks to increased patrols, community policing, and intelligence sharing, state commands like Anambra’s have been recording steady progress in arresting dangerous suspects.

This case serves as an important warning to criminals operating in the region that the police are watching and will act decisively. It also gives hope to law-abiding citizens who want to live in peace and security.

What Happens Next?

With the suspects now in custody, the police are expected to charge them to court as soon as investigations are concluded. Legal experts predict they could face charges related to:

• Armed robbery

• Possession of illegal firearms

• Possession of stolen property

• Conspiracy and criminal gang activity

If found guilty, the suspects may face long prison sentences under Nigerian law, especially because firearms were involved in the crime.

Final Thoughts

This successful police operation is a reminder that security in Nigeria is improving, one step at a time, particularly in states like Anambra where the Command has adopted a zero-tolerance stance toward criminal gangs. The arrests of Monday Onoja, Sanusi Muhammed, and Kenneth Nwokpu send a strong message that no criminal is above the law and that justice will catch up with them, no matter how long it takes.

The Anambra State Police Command, led by professionals like SP Tochukwu Ikenga, deserves commendation for its swift action, attention to intelligence, and commitment to the safety of the people.