Police detain 49-year-old robbery suspect in Anambra, recover firearm

The Anambra Police Command says a 49-year-old armed robbery suspect, Chima Ogumba, picked up on Nkpor Road, Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, is currently in its custody.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga,  disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

Ikenga stated that operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu caught the suspect on Aug. 17.

“The team also recovered one pump-action gun and 50 live cartridges from him.

“The operatives, upon identifying the hideout of the suspect, conducted a search that led to the recovery of one pump-action gun and 50 live cartridges,” he added.

The statement further stated that the suspect “was unable to give a satisfactory and reasonable account of his possession of the firearm and ammunition”.

It explained that the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, has directed that the suspect be thoroughly investigated to establish his possible involvement in  robbery and other criminal activities.

The police spokesman added that the police chief also hoped that the investigation would help determine the source and what the suspect intended to do with the firearm and ammunition.

He stated that Ama further reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations, proactive policing and targeted patrols.

“The CP has  directed sustained tactical interventions aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks across the state,” the statement added.