ANAMBRA, Nigeria — The Anambra State Police Command has conducted raids on criminal hideouts across the state, leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of sophisticated arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit on Thursday, followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. The command's spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announced the development in a statement on Friday.

Acting on credible intelligence, a joint security team targeted identified black spots and criminal dens in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, and Umudioka, Dunukofia LGA.

In Umudioka, a 65-year-old male, identified as Ifeanyi Ogbuagbo, was apprehended. A search of his residence yielded an army uniform and expended ammunition shells concealed in a bag. Preliminary information suggests Ogbuagbo is connected to a gang advocating for self-government.

Ogbuagbo has been taken into custody for further investigation to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the recovered items and his alleged involvement in criminal activities.

In a separate operation on the same evening, operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ekwulobia. This led to the arrest of six other individuals: Chisom Okafor, 25; Onyedika Moses, 36; Iruka Nwaonu, 30; Joseph Nwankwo, 36; Chukwujekwu Nwoso, 32; and Akanimo Orok, 40.

During the Ekwulobia raid, a significant quantity of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, along with other substances believed to be illicit drugs, were recovered.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, affirmed the command's commitment to sustained security operations. He stated that intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, and coordinated raids will continue to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt drug trafficking, and eliminate safe havens for criminals throughout Anambra State.

CP Ama has directed that the ongoing raids on criminal hideouts, drug-selling points, and other identified areas of criminal activity be intensified and sustained.