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  By

Gloria Josiah

UMUAHIA — The Abia State Police Command has apprehended four suspects in separate operations targeting alleged cult activities and the destruction of public property. Firearms, ammunition and other items were also recovered during the raids.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Friday, July 10, 2026, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka. She said the arrests were made following intelligence-driven operations carried out with support from other security agencies.

According to the statement, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit in Olokoro acted on credible information on July 7 about a gathering of about 50 suspected cult members at the Ubakala area. The team moved in and arrested three men identified as Obioma Nmeribe, 22; Emmanuel Lekwechi, 25; and Ikemefulla ThankGod Amadi, 25.

Items recovered from them include a Beretta pistol with eight rounds of live ammunition, a locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, one additional live round, two black berets, a cutlass and a digger.

In another operation on July 6, operatives working with other agencies under Operation Crush arrested Bright Nnabugu, 31, from Umuobasi in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area. He is being investigated for alleged theft and vandalism of government property.

Recovered from the suspect were a locally made single-barrel gun, one spent cartridge, a cutter and a high-tension cable.

The Command said investigations into both cases are ongoing and the suspects will be arraigned in court once concluded.

Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, called on residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information on crime and security threats.

He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, and 08079210006.

CP Isa reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Abia State through intelligence-led policing and stronger collaboration with the community.