The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Emmanuel Chekwube Mark, suspected to be a member of an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating around the Ifite Awka axis of the state.

Mark was arrested in the early hours of August 27, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following what the police described as credible intelligence.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the operation led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, two pump-action guns and a military-pattern face cap.

The police said preliminary investigation indicated that Mark was allegedly part of a four-man syndicate involved in robbery and kidnapping within the area. His alleged accomplices are currently at large.

The Command said the suspect also allegedly disclosed during interrogation that he and other members of the group had conspired to abduct unsuspecting residents.

The police further alleged that Mark confessed to participating in the kidnapping of a victim on July 22, 2026. According to the police, the suspect stated that the victim was dispossessed of valuables and later allegedly killed, with the remains abandoned in a bush.

The suspect also reportedly described the group’s alleged method of operation. The police said the gang used a tricycle to block targeted victims, often claiming that the victim had scratched or damaged the vehicle.

The suspects would allegedly engage the victim in an argument before overpowering the person at gunpoint and taking them to a hideout in Umoji, Ebenebe. The victims were allegedly tortured and robbed of their valuables at the location.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case and directed the police to intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.

The Command said it would continue intelligence-led and proactive operations to prevent and dismantle armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Anambra State.

The statement was signed by SP Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka, on August 28, 2026.