Ex-Soldier, Four Others Arrested for Kidnapping, Robbery in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of five suspected members of a notorious robbery and kidnapping gang, including a self-confessed Nigerian Army deserter.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out the operation on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

According to Ikenga, the operation was based on intelligence reports following the abduction of a farmer in Isiagu, Awka. The victim, who was released after an undisclosed ransom payment, led police operatives to storm the suspects’ hideout in Notoko, Awka, where the ex-soldier and four others were captured.

The suspects were identified as 38-year-old Dominic Oraz, said to be a deserter from the Nigerian Army; 30-year-old Michael Nwobodo; 29-year-old Eze Friday; 23-year-old Uche Okolo; and 29-year-old Chinedu Gilbert.

Recovered items from the gang include six automatic pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live cartridges, a microscope, five machetes, one military cap, two police teargas canisters, handcuffs, a robber’s rocket launcher, criminal charms, three Motorola walkie-talkies, a jack knife, a power bank, and N26,000 in cash.

Ikenga revealed that during interrogation, Oraz admitted deserting the army in November 2024. He added that investigations, especially concerning the ex-soldier, are ongoing in collaboration with military authorities to determine appropriate prosecution steps.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their swift action and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He reassured the people of Anambra of the Command’s commitment to eradicating violent crime across the state.