Police Arrest 13 Suspects In Abia Over Armed Robbery, Vandalism, Other Crimes

The Abia State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects for alleged armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, vandalism, and other criminal offences across the state.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka.

According to the statement, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested 27-year-old Uchenna Agbneiwu, a native of Nkume in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State who resides in Ubakala, over alleged vandalism.

Police said a vandalised large pipeline concealed with sawdust inside a white Toyota Hiace bus was recovered from the suspect. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects who escaped.

In a separate operation, VCRU operatives in Aba North arrested Williams Ifeanyi of Market Road, Aba, on August 2, 2026, for allegedly robbing a victim at gunpoint along Market Road by Rail.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly dispossessed the victim of a bag and other personal belongings. Officers recovered a pistol and live cartridges from him.

The command also said officers from the Uratta Divisional Police Station arrested two suspects, John Chigozie and David Anyaka, over an alleged armed robbery at a hotel in Aba on August 1, 2026.

Police recovered a pistol and live ammunition from the two suspects.

In another operation, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit along Bende Road arrested members of a suspected criminal gang during a meeting at Umuezeagwu in Umuahia North following credible intelligence.

The police spokesperson said:

“The suspects were arrested and the following items were recovered: one pump-action gun, one Beretta pistol, live cartridges, one cutlass, one axe, substances suspected to be hard drugs, walkie-talkies, one face mask, two red berets, and one black beret. Investigation is ongoing.”

The command said investigations into the various cases are continuing.