By Chuks Collins, Awka
Aug 28,2026
The joint security outfit in Anambra State has busted a kidnap and car-snatching syndicate in Aguata area of the state, reports thegazellenews.com.
Thegazellenews.com also reports that nine members of the gang were arrested by the security operatives.
Recovered from them were: three AK-47 rifles, a pump-action gun, assorted charms and other dangerous incriminating materials. They were arrested during a stop-and-search operation in Isuofia, Gov Chukwuma Soludo’s community in Anambra State, few kilometers South-Western part of the State capital and a gateway into Imo, Abia Rivers and Enugu states.
The joint security operation took place in the early hours of Thursday, 28 August, 2026.
It was coordinated by the Joint Operation Base, Aguata, under the leadership of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Austin Elaigwu.
According to a statement from the the state command, the team was made up of personnel of the Navy, the Army, as well as officers of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Others included: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service and operatives of the Agunechemba state vigilante Security Outfit.
The police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrests in a statement.
According to Ikenga, the operatives intercepted a custom-coloured Toyota Sienna and an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4 at a security checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area. They arrested seven men and two women travelling in the vehicles.
A thorough search of the vehicles led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, charms.
The security team took the suspects and the recovered exhibits into custody for further questioning.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects claimed to be security operatives from a neighbouring state. However, they failed to provide satisfactory explanations about their identities, affiliations, possession of the firearms or the purpose of their movement into Anambra State.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for the successful operation and urged them to remain vigilant. He said the recovery underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and proactive stop-and-search operations.
