Joint Security Operatives, comprising men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, Civil Defence, Local vigilante group members led by men of the Nigeria Police Force have deactivated and set off 19 unexploded bombs planted by unknown gunmen at Nimo Community in the Njikoka local government area of Anambra State after gun battle with the non state actors on Christmas eve.

Anambra State Police Command in numbers of news releases on Wednesday, said that the security team also dismantled the unknown gunmen camp and set the makeshift houses in the unknown gunmen hideout ablaze.

The news releases also indicated that the Anambra State Police Command has arrested one Chukwuma Obi, a 32-year-old male criminal suspect from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, in connection with an alleged case of attempted kidnapping and extortion.

According to the Police Command, “the arrest was made on December 24, 2024, by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu.

The suspect is accused of demanding a ransom of one million, two hundred thousand naira (₦1,200,000) through threats of abduction. The victim reported receiving a menacing message from an individual claiming to be a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), threatening abduction unless the demanded ransom was paid into a specified account.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and is currently assisting the Police in identifying and apprehending other members of the gang involved in the criminal activities.

This arrest follows a similar case late last month, where the Command apprehended a couple specializing in sending threatening messages and extorting victims under the guise of planned abductions. The couple confessed to their crimes and admitted to destroying Sim cards used in their illicit activities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, reiterated the Command’s commitment to pursuing all cases to a conclusive end to ensure that suspects are apprehended and justice is served. He emphasized that such efforts are vital in preventing further criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of residents.

The Anambra State Police Command continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines”.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command in an earlier report today, stated that: “In the early hours of December 24, 2024, a joint security operation led by the Nigeria Police Force and comprising the Military, Civil Defence, and Anambra Vigilante operatives successfully dismantled a criminal camp located in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area.

The operation resulted in the destruction of several makeshift structures within the camp, the recovery of 19 unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and inflicted significant injuries on fleeing suspects.

This decisive action followed credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal gang in the area, coupled with information obtained during the interrogation of suspects arrested in ongoing police operations across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam commends the synergy between the security agencies and the vigilance of the public in providing actionable intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the safety and security of all residents during and after the festive season.

In light of this development, the Commissioner of Police strongly urges all proprietors of private and public hospitals to immediately report any individual presenting with bullet wounds or injuries of a suspicious nature to the nearest police station. This measure is critical to the ongoing effort to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activity.

The Anambra State Police Command assures the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining security dominance through sustained patrols and targeted operations aimed at ensuring a peaceful yuletide season for all”.

In another news release on Tuesday, “the Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam directs the deployment of Operatives of X Squad of the Command to ensure police personnel at various checkpoints, uphold a high standard of professionalism in the discharge of their duties and shun any acts of extortion, harassment, and unruly behaviour, especially towards the travelling public.

The Police team led by Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Emeka Chukwuemeka, the Former Police Public Relations Officer of the Command is to complement the already deployed personnel to maintain law and order and is specially tasked to patrol and ensure operatives comply with the standard operational procedure of the Force. Also the Public Complaint Bureau likewise Complaint Response Unit are to be active 24/7 to attend to the security request of Ndi Anambra

The CP notes that every resident or visitor to Anambra State deserves to be treated decently in line with the policing principles of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and urges members of the public to promptly report erring officers to the Command for appropriate sanction.

You are encouraged to call 112, the Control Room number: 07039194332, X Squad Commander on 08033294280 or PPRO on 08039334002. Also call the various Area Commands and DPOs in your area of Concern, please for a quick response, please”

Meanwhile, “following the 2024 Operational order for Christmas and New year celebrations of the Command, Anambra State Police Operatives and Joint Security Forces continue to sustain security dominance and anti-crime patrols in the state.

The security deployment covers Onitsha, Aguata, Nnewi, Awka, Ogidi Nnobi, Oba, Uli, ihiala and many on strategic areas.

The Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam while felicitating with the good people of Anambra wishes them a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year celebrations. He also entreats them to use this period of festivity to pray for the peace and security of the State and the Nation at large.

In event to request any security services, call the command control room number on 07039194332 or PPRO 08039334002 for a prompt response. The ‘npf rescue me app’ is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively. You can also call the various Area Commanders or DPOs in your areas of concern as you can find attached, please”.