Operatives of the Abia State Community Policing (ASCP) and the Vigilante Obingwa Command have successfully arrested two notorious criminals in Abala Nkwo Nwaelechi, Obingwa Local Government Area. The operation, which occurred on Friday, February 21, has been hailed as a significant victory in the fight against rising crime in the region.
The operation was led by the Deputy Commander of ASCP, Mr. Uhe, who was supported by key officials, including Mr. Chibuike, Mr. Nwahiwe (Community Commander), Mr. Churchman, and Mr. Wisdom. Together, they raided the suspects’ hideout in a well-coordinated effort to dismantle a criminal gang that had been terrorising residents in the area.
The two men arrested, identified as Mr. Chinedu and Mr. Okezie, who is also known by the alias ‘Nwa Aboy,’ are suspected to be key members of the same criminal gang that has been operating in the region. The gang was linked to several violent crimes, including armed robbery and intimidation of local communities. They are believed to be responsible for several violent activities in Ahia Nkwo, a nearby area where some of their associates were killed in a gun battle last November.
The ASCP has confirmed that the gang had been wreaking havoc, with numerous reports of robberies and violent confrontations that left residents living in fear. According to ASCP officials, these criminals had been at the heart of the disruption in the peaceful community, and their arrest is seen as a significant breakthrough in restoring peace and safety.
During the operation, security forces were able to recover a variety of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and a locally fabricated gun. The haul of arms is particularly concerning, as it highlights the extent to which these criminals were armed and ready to engage in violent conflict with anyone who opposed them.
In addition to the weapons, security personnel discovered a hidden shrine belonging to the criminals, which was subsequently set ablaze. The shrine was believed to be used for ritualistic purposes by the gang, adding another layer to the sinister nature of their operations.
As the operatives continued their search, they made further discoveries. Several stolen items were recovered from the criminals, including a large foam mattress, a wheelbarrow, a gas cylinder, bags of cement, tiles, a public address sound system, a fan, and even a complete set of men’s salon equipment. These stolen goods were allegedly taken from local businesses and homes, causing significant loss and hardship for the victims.
The arrest of these two criminals is seen as a major step in the ongoing efforts by the Abia State Community Policing initiative to curb the rising wave of crime in the state. In recent months, local communities have been grappling with increased criminal activity, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and vandalism.
