The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspected criminals, including three alleged cult members, in separate operations that led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other items.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday, saying the operations were carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and a joint security team under Operation Crush.
According to the statement, on July 7, 2026, police operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the Ubakala axis, where about 50 suspected gang members had allegedly assembled for cult-related activities.
During the operation, officers arrested three suspects identified as Obioma Nmeribe, 22; Emmanuel Lekwechi, 25; and Ikemefulla ThankGod Amadi, 25.
Items recovered from the suspects included one Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, one locally made pistol, two live cartridges, one live round of ammunition, two black berets, a cutlass and a digger.
In a separate operation conducted on July 6, 2026, police officers, in collaboration with other security agencies under Operation Crush, arrested Bright Nnabugu, 31, of Umuobasi in Ugunagbo Local Government Area.
Police said a locally made single-barrel gun, one expended cartridge, a cutter and a high-tension wire were recovered from the suspect, who is being investigated for allegedly stealing and vandalising government property.
The command said investigations into both cases are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely information on criminal activities.
He encouraged members of the public to report security concerns to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines, stressing that community collaboration remains vital to maintaining peace and security across the state.
