The Anambra Police Arrest operation has yielded significant results with the detention of four additional suspects in connection with the murder of three Cameroonian women in the state.
This latest development follows confessions from two previously arrested suspects, providing crucial leads to the law enforcement team.
The victims—Bognou Alice, her niece Sandra, and another unnamed woman—were reportedly abducted on November 10, 2025, while on a business trip.
According to Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the kidnappers demanded ransom from the victims’ families before ultimately killing them.
The bodies of Alice and Sandra were later recovered from the Omambala River in Anambra West after a painstaking search operation by the police.
Ikenga disclosed that the newly arrested suspects are Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, popularly known as “Ugoebenajah,” alleged to be the Chief Priest of a shrine; Nwabunne Bright; Chinecherem Chiama; and Michael Ekwunife.
Their ages range between 21 and 38 years. The suspects are all males and have been taken into custody for further interrogation.
The police operation, which took place on February 13, 2026, in Nando community, Anambra East Local Government Area, also led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and criminal paraphernalia.
Items retrieved included two pump-action guns, a locally made Beretta pistol, a machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, ten live cartridges, and five live 9mm rounds.
In a statement, Ikenga explained: “The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the murder of three Cameroonian nationals in the state.
“The suspects include the alleged Chief Priest, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, also known as ‘Ugoebenajah,’ aged 27, along with Nwabunne Bright (27), Chinecherem Chiama (21), and Michael Ekwunife (38).”
Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu swiftly mobilized to the shrine in Nando based on leads from the initial suspects’ confessions.
Read also: Tragic discovery of missing Cameroonian women sparks urgent police search
Upon reaching the premises, about thirty able-bodied men were observed gathered at the shrine.
When the armed men noticed the police, they immediately opened fire, prompting a professional gun duel with the operatives.
During the shootout, the prime suspect, Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam, managed to escape with other gang members despite sustaining bullet wounds.
One of the newly arrested suspects was also injured in the thigh and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving medical care.
The Anambra Police Arrest operation has thus been described as both strategic and timely, preventing further harm and sending a strong message to criminal elements in the state.
The recovered weapons and charms highlight the dangerous nature of the gang, as well as the level of planning involved in the kidnapping and murder.
Currently, the arrested suspects are being interrogated to extract additional information about the gang’s operations and any remaining fugitives.
Authorities have assured residents that the investigation remains ongoing and that efforts are in full swing to apprehend all members of the criminal network.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges members of the public to continue providing useful information that will aid ongoing investigations,” Ikenga added.
He emphasized that community collaboration is crucial in swiftly bringing such dangerous criminals to justice.
The Anambra Police have reaffirmed their dedication to combating violent crime and ensuring justice for victims.
This operation underscores the importance of rapid response, strategic intelligence gathering, and community engagement in tackling violent crimes, including kidnapping and murder.
Beyond the arrests, the case has drawn attention to the dangers faced by foreign nationals visiting Nigeria for business and other legitimate purposes.
Security agencies are reportedly enhancing patrols and community monitoring to prevent future kidnappings in the region.
The Anambra Police Arrest case has now become a key reference point in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate whether the suspects were involved in other criminal activities, including illegal arms possession, extortion, and ritualistic practices.
Residents and community leaders have praised the police for their swift response and professionalism during the operation, noting that such decisive action boosts public confidence in law enforcement.
Meanwhile, police officials are appealing to anyone with information on the whereabouts of the escaped suspects to come forward, assuring them of confidentiality and protection.
This development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against violent organized crime.
Authorities emphasize that such operations not only serve justice for the victims but also act as a deterrent for future criminal activities.
Ireport247news
