Anambra police kidnapper arrest yields AK-47 and ammunition as suspect linked to proscribed secessionist group assists ongoing investigations

AWKUZU, Anambra State, 4 December 2025: The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 43-year-old Kalu Okafor, a suspected kidnapper and member of a proscribed secessionist group, following an intelligence-led operation in the Okpoko area of Ogbaru Local Government Area.

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The arrest was disclosed on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga.

Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, two AK-47 magazines, 88 rounds of ammunition, two face masks, and two hand gloves during the operation.

According to Ikenga, the arrest was prompted by a confession from another detained gang member, Chukwudi Nwakpa, who revealed that firearms were handed over to Okafor for safekeeping after kidnapping operations.

“The suspect further admitted receiving returns from the proceeds of ransom collected from kidnapped victims,” Ikenga said, adding that Okafor is currently assisting police in locating other gang members and recovering additional weapons.

The arrest follows a recent operation in which Emmanuel Osuigwe, another suspected member of the group, was apprehended in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, after a raid on a criminal hideout in Ukpor, Nnewi South LGA.

The police confirmed that these operations form part of heightened security measures and raids ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, across the state.

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Ikenga assured that further updates would be communicated as investigations continue, highlighting the police’s commitment to restoring security and curbing armed criminal activity in Anambra.