The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang, among them a self-confessed deserter from the Nigerian Army. The suspects were apprehended in Awka, the state capital.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the arrests followed an operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Ikenga explained that the operation was triggered by intelligence reports regarding the abduction of a farmer in Isiagu, Awka. The victim was freed after an undisclosed ransom was paid. Acting on credible information, police operatives raided the suspects’ hideout in Notoko, Awka, and arrested the ex-soldier alongside four others.
The suspects were identified as 38-year-old Dominic Oraz, described as a deserter of the Nigerian Army; 30-year-old Michael Nwobodo; 29-year-old Eze Friday; 23-year-old Uche Okolo; and 29-year-old Chinedu Gilbert.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include six automatic pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live cartridges, one microscope, five machetes, one military cap, two police teargas canisters, handcuffs, a robber’s rocket launcher, criminal charms, three Motorola walkie-talkies, one jack knife, one power bank and cash sum of N26,000,” Ikenga stated.
He further revealed that during interrogation, Oraz admitted to abandoning the military in November 2024.
Ikenga added that investigations are ongoing, particularly in relation to the deserter, in conjunction with military authorities, to determine next steps for prosecution.
He also conveyed the commendation of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, who praised the operatives for their swift action and urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities promptly. The commissioner assured Ndi Anambra of the Command’s determination to stamp out violent crime in the state.
