Police nab 25-year-old suspected kidnapper in Anambra, seize three guns

The Anambra State Police have arrested a 25-year-old man, Emmanuel Mark, for armed robbery and kidnapping.

Mark is believed to be part of a four-man gang operating around Ifite Awka in Awka South Local Government Area.

On Friday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson, said the suspect was caught by the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu. This happened after they acted on good intelligence.

Ikenga mentioned that officers recovered one locally made pistol, two pump-action guns, and a military-style cap during the operation.

He called the arrest a big win in the fight against violent crime in the state.

The statement said, "The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Emmanuel Chekwube Mark, for armed robbery and kidnapping.

"The suspect was arrested in the early hours of August 27, 2026, following credible intelligence. Items recovered during the operation include one locally fabricated pistol, two pump-action guns and one military-pattern face cap.

"Initial investigation and questioning showed that the suspect is part of a four-man gang involved in armed robbery and kidnapping around Ifite Awka.

"The suspect also confessed that he worked with other gang members, who are still at large, to kidnap people in the area.

"He admitted his role in the kidnapping of a victim on July 22, 2026. He said they took the victim's belongings and later killed him, leaving his body in a bush."

Ikenga explained that the gang usually used a tricycle to block their victims. They pretended the victim had damaged the tricycle.

"The gang would argue with the victim, overpower them at gunpoint, and take them to their hideout in Umoji, Ebenebe. There, they would torture the victims and steal their belongings," he added.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Ama, has ordered a full investigation. He also directed the team to work harder to catch the other gang members who are still on the run.

"The command assures the people of Anambra State that it will keep up intelligence-led and proactive operations. This aims to prevent and break down armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state," the statement concluded.