* Nab suspect for vandalizing government property
By Florencemary Nwabueze
The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspected criminals, including members of a cult group, and recovered a cache of firearms and other dangerous weapons in two separate operations, the command announced on Friday.
In a coordinated raid on July 7, 2026, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Olokoro, acted on intelligence reports that approximately 50 suspected cultists had gathered at the Ubakala axis for illicit activities. The police team swiftly moved to the scene, disrupting the gathering and apprehending three suspects.
Those arrested in the operation were identified as Obioma Nmeribe, 22; Emmanuel Lekwechi, 25; and Ikemefulla ThankGod Amadi, 25. Items recovered from them include a Beretta pistol with eight rounds, a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, one live ammunition, two black berets, a cutlass, and a digger.
In a separate operation on July 6, 2026, the police, in collaboration with sister security agencies under the Operation Crush initiative, arrested Bright Nnabugu, 31, from Umuobasi in Ugunabor Local Government Area. The suspect was allegedly involved in stealing and vandalizing government properties. Recovered from him were a locally made single-barrel long gun, an expended cartridge, and a cutter with high-tension wire.
Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, commended the operatives for their swift action and reiterated the command's commitment to tackling crime and criminality in the state.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting the police by reporting any suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency lines.
"Together we keep Abia safe. See something, say something," the Commissioner stated.
The police spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, confirmed that investigations into both cases are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the probe.