DR INNOCENT CHIDUMEBI OKONKWO
A 9-man suspected armed robbery and kidnap gang, which operated at Aguleri junction and Nsugbe axis, has been smashed by the joint security task force operatives comprising the Aguleri vigilante group, Anam vigilante and Police operatives, leaving one of the suspects dead at the scene while the remaining 8 suspects sustained various degrees of injuries.
The criminal gang camped in Anam, Anambra West and specialised in kidnapping wealthy men in Aguleri and environs.
The gang members operated mainly along Aguleri junction and killed a vigilante member in Eziagulu Aguleri community last week.
The aggrieved Aguleri vigilante group and Police operatives joined forces with Anam vigilante in the operation.
The criminal gang comprised of indigenes of Nnewi and Anam in Anambra State. Other suspects were indigenes of Ebonyi State and Tiv In Benue State.
Four AK-47 rifles, 3 SUVs, human skeletons, pump action guns, mobile phones and other properties belonging to different persons kidnapped by members of the gang as well as cartridges, were recovered from the suspects.
One of the members of the vigilante group, an Indigene of Anam, sustained bullet wound during the operation and has been moved to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
The suspects arrested are currently at Otuocha Police Station and would be transferred to State Cid, Awka, soon.