The Abia State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects in separate operations targeting armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, cult-related activities and the vandalisation of government property, recovering several weapons, ammunition and other incriminating items.

The command said the arrests were made through intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and other tactical teams across the state.

According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the suspects, all males aged between 20 and 27, were apprehended in separate operations in Umuahia and Aba.

Among the recovered exhibits were a locally made pistol, a locally made single-barrel gun, a Beretta pistol, a pump-action gun, eight live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, walkie-talkies, a face mask, two red berets, one black beret, and substances suspected to be hard drugs.

In one of the operations, police operatives intercepted and arrested 27-year-old Uchenna Agbneiwu, a native of Nkume in Orlu Local Council of Imo State, who resides in Ubakala, Umuahia. He was allegedly caught transporting a vandalised large galvanised pipeline concealed beneath sawdust in a white Toyota Hiace bus.

The command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who escaped during the operation.

In another incident on August 2, operatives of the VCRU in Aba North arrested 27-year-old Williams Ifeanyi of Market Road, Aba, for allegedly robbing a victim at gunpoint along Market Road by Rail.

The suspect reportedly dispossessed the victim of a bag and other personal belongings before he was arrested. A pistol and live cartridges were recovered from him.

Police also disclosed that intelligence-led investigations led operatives of the Uratta Divisional Police Station to arrest two suspects, John Chigozie, 25, and David Anyaka, 26, over an armed robbery attack at a hotel in Aba on August 1. Officers recovered a pistol and live ammunition from the suspects, while investigations continue.

In a separate operation on August 4, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit stationed along Bende Road arrested suspected members of a violent cult group during a meeting at Umuezeagwu in Umuahia North.

Items recovered from the group included a pump-action gun, a Beretta pistol, live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, suspected hard drugs, walkie-talkies, a face mask, and three berets.

The police said investigations into all the cases are ongoing and that those found culpable would be prosecuted.

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, the police urged residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information on criminal activities through the nearest police station or the command’s emergency hotlines.

The command also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and embrace its crime prevention campaign with the message: “See Something, Say Something.”