Police in Anambra State have arrested a man accused of supplying food and gunpowder to armed criminal groups operating in various forested areas of the state.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended while transporting three bags of cassava flakes, locally known as garri, with gunpowder concealed within.
The arrest took place in Nanka, Aguata Local Government Area.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest in a press release, stating that the suspect was intercepted by a joint police-led security force during a routine patrol in the Pillar Pole area on September 22, 2024.
Ikenga said, “Preliminary information revealed that the suspect was en route to deliver food supplies to a criminal camp and gunpowder intended for the production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) for the gang.”
He added that the discovery was made during a thorough search, which revealed a substantial quantity of gunpowder hidden beneath the bags of *garri*.
The suspect is now in police custody and is cooperating with authorities in their efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
In a separate development, the police also arrested one Nelson Wisdom at a criminal hideout in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
A locally fabricated pistol and two live rounds of ammunition were recovered during the operation, which was carried out by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) following credible intelligence.
“The arrest was made in the early hours of today, 25th September 2024,” Ikenga said. “The suspect, identified as Nelson Wisdom, hails from Etsako East, Edo State.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, reiterated the commitment of the police and other security agencies in maintaining pressure on criminal elements across the state.
He emphasized that the command will continue to act on intelligence to disrupt the activities of criminals.
Ikenga concluded by stating that once investigations are completed, the suspects will be formally charged in court.
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