Joint security operatives led by the Anambra State Police Command in the early hours of Friday arrested nine suspects during a stop-and-search operation at a checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were intercepted in two different vehicles by operatives comprising the police, army, Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and those of the Agunechemba Security Outfit in the area.

Items recovered from the suspects include two vehicles, three AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, charms and other items.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command, SP Toochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this to newsmen in Awka, the state capital.

He said the vehicles, a custom-coloured Sienna and an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4, were intercepted, leading to the arrest of nine suspects comprising seven males and two females.

Ikenga explained that, “A thorough search of the vehicles led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, charms and other items considered relevant to the ongoing investigation. The suspects and the recovered items were immediately taken into custody for questioning and further investigation.”

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According to him, the Anambra State Police Command, through the Joint Operation Base, Aguata, led by the Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Austin Elaigwu, in the early hours of today, 28th August 2026, in collaboration with other security agencies comprising the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, as well as operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit, intercepted two vehicles during a stop-and-search operation at a checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.”

The police said that, “During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly claimed to be security operatives based in a neighbouring State.”

“However, they were unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their identities, affiliations, possession of the firearms and the purpose of their movement into Anambra State.”

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for a job well done and encouraged them to remain vigilant, noting that the recovery was the result of intelligence-led policing and effective stop-and-search operations.