The Anambra State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with unlawful possession of a firearm and alleged involvement in illicit drug activities in Uke, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects have been identified as Ifeanyi Ibeabuchi, 39; Abdullahi Shaibu, 26; and Obah Chima, 18. One of the suspects is reportedly the owner of the motel where the operation was carried out.
According to a press statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrests were made by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following actionable intelligence.
Ikenga disclosed that the operation took place in the late hours of February 9, 2026, when the RRS team stormed a motel located in Uke based on credible information suggesting criminal activity at the premises.
“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Ifeanyi Ibeabuchi; Abdullahi Shaibu, 26; and Obah Chima, 18, over unlawful possession of a firearm and involvement in illicit drug activities at Uke, Idemili North LGA,” the statement read.
He further explained that during a comprehensive search of the motel, police operatives recovered a Jojef pump-action gun bearing breach number 21SA-0724. The firearm was loaded with three live cartridges at the time of recovery.
In addition to the weapon, officers reportedly discovered substances suspected to be hard drugs at the location. According to the police, these included materials believed to be cannabis sativa, crystal methamphetamine, colos, and mkpuru-mmiri — a street name commonly used to refer to methamphetamine in parts of the South-East.
Ikenga stated that one of the suspects, Ibeabuchi, allegedly confessed to the crime during preliminary interrogation. His statements, the police said, led to further investigations that culminated in the arrest of the other two suspects and the recovery of the suspected narcotics.
While the police have not yet disclosed the specific roles each suspect allegedly played, the Command indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their activities and whether additional individuals may be connected to the case.
The arrest underscores the continued efforts of the Anambra State Police Command to clamp down on criminal elements within the state. In recent months, security agencies have intensified operations targeting illegal arms possession, drug trafficking, armed robbery, and other forms of organised crime.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations against criminal elements in the state and urges members of the public to continue providing useful information to aid policing efforts,” Ikenga said.
He added that further updates would be made available as the investigation progresses and assured residents that the police remain resolute in maintaining law and order across the state.
The Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, which carried out the operation, has been actively involved in several high-profile arrests in recent times. In December 2025, the squad apprehended a 26-year-old armed robbery suspect, Ugochukwu Uzor, during an operation at Iyiowa Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
During that operation, Uzor was reportedly injured before being arrested by the police. A locally made Beretta pistol and 11 live rounds of ammunition were recovered from him, according to an earlier statement signed by SP Ikenga.
The string of arrests reflects what security officials describe as a sustained crackdown on criminal networks operating in various parts of Anambra State. Authorities have repeatedly emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering and community cooperation in achieving effective policing outcomes.
Security analysts note that the combination of illegal firearms and drug distribution networks poses a significant threat to public safety, often fuelling violent crimes and destabilising communities. As such, proactive enforcement actions are considered critical to disrupting these activities before they escalate.
Residents of Idemili North and surrounding areas have been encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency lines. The Command has maintained that timely information from members of the public plays a vital role in successful operations.
As the three suspects remain in custody, they are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, in accordance with applicable laws.
For now, the Anambra State Police Command says it will continue to deploy strategic operations across identified hotspots to ensure the safety of lives and property, reinforcing its broader mandate of securing the state against criminal infiltration and unlawful activities.
