Operatives of Anambra State Police Command have arrested an army deserter and four others suspected to be members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate.
The suspects include: Dominic Oraz ‘M’ (38), who allegedly confessed to have deserted his formation in the Nigerian Army, Michael Nwobodo ‘M’ (30), Eze Friday ‘M’ (29), Uche Okolo ‘M’ (23) and Chinedu Gilbert ‘M’ (29).
They were arrested in a swift operation on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, following a report that a victim was abducted on his farmland at Isiagu, Awka, and later released after ransom was paid.
A statement on Thursday by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, stormed the hideout of the suspects at Notoko, Awka, which led to the arrest of the suspects.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include: 6 (six) automatic pump-action guns, 63 (sixty-three) rounds of live cartridges, one microscope, 5 (five) machetes, one military cap, 2 (two) police teargas canisters, Handcuffs, A robber’s rocket launcher, criminal charms, 3 (three) Motorola walkie-talkies, One jack knife, One power bank and Cash sum of ₦26,000.00 (Twenty-Six Thousand Naira) only.
“During interrogation, one of the suspects, Dominic Oraz, confessed to having deserted the Nigerian Army in November 2024,” Ikenga said.
He added that necessary enquiries have commenced with the authority to guide police action and prosecution of other suspects.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the operatives for their gallantry.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to continue to report suspicious activities to the police for prompt action.