Anambra Police said they have recovered one pump action rifle allegedly stolen from one of their formations during the #EndSARS protests in the state.
The spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed in a statement, said the firearm was recovered from a 20-year-old suspect, Debelechukwu Mbanugo following his arrest in collaboration with local vigilance group at Nkwelle Ezunaka, near Onitsha.
He disclosed 14 other armed robbery suspects and cultists were also arrested in separate operations, with firearms and ammunitions recovered from them.
He said the suspects would be charged after investigations were concluded.
He said: “On 19/2/2021 following an intelligence report, police operatives attached to Oko Division arrested one Blessing Ukogu (25) of Akabor Village, Osunmeyi in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State but residing at Abo-Dutse, Abuja.
“Suspect allegedly stole a Toyota Corolla model 2005 from Abuja. Suspect and exhibit handed over to FCT Command for further investigation.
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“On 21/2/2021 at about 11:30am, following also intelligence report, police operatives attached to 3-3 Division, in collaboration with the local vigilante group, arrested one Debelechukwu Mbanugo (20) of Nkwelle Ezunaka.
“Exhibit recovered in his possession include one pump action rifle which he admitted to have stolen from 3-3 Police Station during the #Endsars protests.
“On 21/2/2021, at about 8:am, following an intelligence report, police operatives attached to Okija Division, arrested one Chinaza Okoma (25) and Onyebuchi Maduka (24) both of 3-3 area, Onitsha.
“Suspects were arrested inside a residential apartment at Oghalebu, Okija with two pump action rifles, and eleven cartridges which they could not give satisfactory account of.
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“On 22/2/2021, at about 9am, following an intelligence report, Puff Adder operatives, in conjunction with a police patrol team attached to Ogbaru Division, arrested one Ebuka Obaze (22) of Ochuche Village, Umuodo in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State. Exhibit recovered in his possession include a cut to size locally made double barrel gun.
“On the 23/2/2021, Puff Adder operatives, in conjunction with a patrol team attached to Otoucha Division, responded to a distress call around Igbariam and arrested one Paul Odowe (29) from Ebonyi State.
“Suspect allegedly robbed a lady of her handset and other valuables at gunpoint. He voluntarily confessed and exhibits recovered in his possession include 3 phones, one pump action rifle, one cartridge and one unregistered motorcycle used in perpetrating the act.
“On 26/2/2021, at 12:30am, following an intelligence report, a Police patrol team attached to Inland Town Division, arrested one Bright Blessed Nnakwe (27) of Umueze Village, Anam in Anambra West LGA. Exhibit recovered in his possession include one English made pistol and a magazine.”
On the cultists, Mohammed said, Command Special Anti-Cult Unit, arrested suspects who confessed to be members of a secret cult group called, “PAYTON CONFRATERNITY”, while another group arrested at Ogidi claimed to be members of Vikings Confraternity.
He listed suspected members of the Payton confraternity to include; Duru David (22) Ugochukwu Meniru (20) Nwaoba Chukwudi (20) Kalu Chukwudi (18) and Nyayelu Oputa (18).
Those of Vikings confraternity include; Okpoto Chukwudi (20) Odo Arinze (22) Eze Izuchukwu (23), all natives of Izamgbo Town in Ohaumwu LGA of Ebonyi State.