The Abia State Police Command has arrested two suspects linked to alleged armed robbery, cult-related activities and vandalisation of critical government infrastructure, recovering firearms and other incriminating exhibits during separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit and officers attached to the Osisioma Divisional Police Headquarters as part of intensified efforts to curb violent crimes and protect public assets.

According to the police, one of the suspects, 21-year-old Michael Kalu, an indigene of Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but resident in Amuma Ohafia, Abia State, was apprehended on May 6 following actionable intelligence linking him to armed robbery and cult activities.

Security operatives recovered one English-made pistol and one locally fabricated firearm from the suspect during the operation.

In a separate operation, officers of the Osisioma Division arrested 23-year-old Obinna Chimezie, a resident of Borrowed Pit area off Temple Gate along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, while allegedly vandalising a gas pipeline supplying gas to Geometric Power.

Police said a toy gun was recovered from the suspect, while a makeshift structure allegedly used for drug-related activities at the location was dismantled and destroyed.

The suspects are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department, where investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their involvement in criminal activities.

The Police Command said both suspects would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining law and order, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crime across the state.

The command also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious movements and criminal activities through its designated emergency response lines, stressing that collaboration between residents and law enforcement remains critical in sustaining peace and security in Abia State.