The Police Command in Ebonyi state said it has intensified its crackdown on crime across the state, leading to the arrest of 131 suspects, recovery of firearms, stolen vehicles, and the rescue of kidnap victims in the past six weeks.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adaku Uche-Anya, disclosed this on Tuesday during a briefing at the Command Headquarters, Abakaliki.
She said the achievements were recorded between July and mid-August 2025, through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and community engagement.
According to her, 120 males and 11 females were arrested for various offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, and cult-related crimes.
She said that out of this number, 52 suspects have been charged in court, while others are still under investigation.
The CP further revealed that six vehicles, 15 assorted firearms, and 50 rounds of ammunition were recovered within the period under review.
The CP said that Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on July 28 stormed a criminal hideout in Umuogodo-Akpu Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA.
“The operation led to the arrest of one Icha Chidiebere and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a Dakota vehicle, and a Lexus 330 SUV without registration number”, she said.
The CP further revealed that on August 6, a suspected motorcycle snatcher, Nwali Sunday, was apprehended in Onueke by the Special Anti-Cult Squad.
She noted that one KC Sanyang motorcycle was recovered, while other gang members remain at large.
The CP said that two kidnapped students were rescued unhurt from an uncompleted building in Ikwo LGA on August 14.
Three suspects – James Nweke, Oliver Nwali, and Nwojiji Onyebuchi – were arrested at the scene.
The CP said timely police intervention helped to prevent the Ihie/Ezza Ekembe crisis from escalating.
According to her, one Agboti Kingsley, allegedly hired as a mercenary to instigate violence, was arrested and is currently in custody.
CP Uche-Anya further revealed that in the wake of the killing of one Udu Nnachi during the Ekoli Edda unrest on July 9, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit arrested three suspects.
The arrested suspects are: Amarachi Ude, Idika Ama Okoro, and Sunday Ama Olughu.
She said the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of the investigation.
The CP noted that the agrarian nature of Ebonyi makes land and boundary disputes a recurring challenge during farming seasons.
According to her, to forestall violence, the Command has deployed early-warning systems and embraced dialogue with stakeholders in flashpoint communities.
“Through proactive strategies, we are recording encouraging results while remaining vigilant in ensuring the safety of our people,” Uche-Anya said.
She commended residents of the state for their support and urged them to continue providing timely information to the police.
“The Command remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, and to sustain peace and security across the state,” she assured.
