The Anambra State Police Command has taken into custody five men accused of disguising as vigilante operatives to carry out armed robberies in parts of the state.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad based in Awkuzu during investigations into alleged cases of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Sunday in Awka.
“In furtherance of the ongoing investigations on a case of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu have arrested five suspects,” he said.
Ikenga disclosed that exhibits recovered from the suspects included two pump-action firearms, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, number plates and other items considered relevant to the investigation.
He explained that the suspects confessed to their involvement in criminal operations and detailed how they allegedly used a shuttle bus while posing as vigilante personnel to deceive victims.
The police spokesman added that the suspects were cooperating with detectives and supplying information that could aid the arrest of additional collaborators, while reiterating the command’s resolve to protect lives and property in the state.
He further appealed to residents to assist the police with prompt and reliable information to help curb criminal activities across Anambra State.