The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber, Nicholas Nweke, during an operation carried out in Awka, the state capital.
The suspect was arrested in the late hours of December 25 while allegedly attempting to rob a victim at a public spot. Police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, were said to have responded swiftly following the resistance put up by the victim.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was apprehended while struggling with the victim over a firearm.
According to Ikenga, “Following the timely intervention of operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, and the act of bravery displayed by a victim in the late hours of December 25, 2025, one Nicholas Nweke, a suspected armed robber, was arrested.”
He explained that the responding police team met the suspect and the victim grappling over a gun at the scene, adding that the suspect was successfully disarmed and arrested with the assistance of the operatives.
Items recovered from the suspect include a pump action rifle, five expended cartridges, one Itel mobile phone and a cash sum of N1,200.
Ikenga disclosed that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect approached the victim and demanded his phone and other valuables. He said when the victim refused, the suspect allegedly fired shots during the struggle.
“During the incident, pellets from the gun reportedly struck two unsuspecting individuals,” the police spokesman said.
He added that the injured persons were immediately taken to a nearby hospital where they are currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
The police spokesperson further stated that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for discreet and comprehensive investigation, assuring that further developments would be communicated to the public.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining proactive policing and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
