Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested three suspected armed robbers/cultists and recovered dangerous weapons, drugs, and an auto-rickshaw during a stop-and-search operation in Umuagu.
The suspects were identified as Udaka Justin (36), of Akata Village, Orlu East LGA, Imo State; Chukwuebuka Michael Nnebedun (24), of Arondizuagu, Ideato North LGA, Imo State; and Prince David (24), also of Arodizuogu, Ideato North LGA, Imo State.
They were apprehended on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at about 9:30 pm, after operatives of the Quick Intervention Unit (QIU) flagged down a blue tricycle with registration number MBL801VJ. The tricycle had five occupants, but while being stopped, the rider pretended it had developed a fault, allowing two suspects to escape. The police, however, arrested three of them.
A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of the following items:
• One locally made short pistol
• Three live cartridges
• One double-edged machete
• One battle axe
• One black face mask
• A sachet of substances suspected to be Indian hemp
• The tricycle used in the operation
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, who confirmed the development in a statement, said the suspects are in custody while investigations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, assured residents that the Command is intensifying efforts to rid Abia State of criminal elements. He urged the public to continue supporting the police by reporting suspicious movements and activities through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006.
