The Anambra State Police Command has arrested one suspect in Awka, the state capital, after an exchange of gunfire with security operatives, amidst the kicking off of the annual ‘Imoka cultural festival’ in the city.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, the spokesman for the state Police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police also recovered one locally made Berreta pistol, one live ammunition and other incriminating items from the suspect.
Ikenga added that during the gunfire, a police officer sustained a gunshot injury and was taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment.
He said operatives from the Rapid Response Squad of the state police command carried out the operation aimed at dislodging criminal elements suspected to be using the cover of the festival to perpetrate crimes and disrupt public peace.
According to him, the police intensified a raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and environs, late on Monday, after intelligence gathering indicated that some miscreants were engaging in criminalities under the guise of celebrating the Imoka festival.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command, acting on information received overtime on how miscreants, under the guise of celebrating the Imoka festival, engaged in criminal activities, become unruly, and make life unbearable for the good people of the State, especially residents and indigene of Awka, have intensified raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and its environs.
“This is aimed at ensuring a crime-free celebration of the festival. Given the above, police operatives attached to the Rapid Respond Squad, Awka sector, in the late evening of May 19, 2025, arrested one Nasiru Samaila ‘M’ aged 25 years.
“They have also recovered one locally made Beretta pistol, one live ammunition, one knife, a large quantity of substance suspected to be hard drugs, in Awka. The suspect, in a bid to escape, started shooting indiscriminately but was subdued by the Police team that fired him on his right leg.
“Unfortunately, one of the police operatives sustained a gunshot injury and has been taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment. The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring public safety. Further developments shall be communicated accordingly.”
