Police Arrest Armed Suspected IPOB Member in Anambra, Recover Firearms

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during an intelligence-led operation in Ihiala.

The suspect, identified as Friday Nnamdi Anyikame, was apprehended on Thursday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday.

According to Ikenga, officers recovered two pump-action guns and 29 live cartridges during the operation. He added that the suspect confessed to being an active member of an armed secessionist group and revealed that he operates from a criminal camp in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

Quoting the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, Ikenga said the arrest demonstrates the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes across the state. The CP commended the operatives for their swift response and ordered intensified surveillance and targeted raids to dismantle criminal networks.

He further assured residents that the police are closing in on other fleeing members of the gang and urged the public to remain vigilant.

“The CP calls on Anambra people to support the Police with timely and actionable information that will aid ongoing security operations,” the statement added.