The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects over the murder of three Cameroonian nationals in the state.
Recall that the gang of suspects reportedly kidnapped and murdered the victims in November 2025 and dumped their bodies in a river in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state. Some days later, police operatives found their decomposing bodies floating on the river.
Following the discovery, the command launched an investigation which led to the arrest of two suspects who had been assisting with information.
However, in a statement released on Monday, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said that through the confession of the two suspects already in custody, four more suspects were arrested by security operatives on February 13, 2026.
Ikenga said the suspects, all males, were arrested in a shrine located in Nando, Anambra East LGA, after a fierce gun duel.
He added that two pump action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted ammunition and criminal charms were recovered from the suspects during the arrest.
According to him, the command operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, carried out the operation.
The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the murder of three Cameroonian nationals in the State.
“The suspects, all males, include the alleged Chief Priest of a shrine, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, also known as “Ugoebenajah,” aged 27 years, alongside Nwabunne Bright (27 years), Chinecherem Chiama (21 years) and Michael Ekwunife (38 years) respectively.
“The team also recovered two pump-action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, 10 live cartridges and five live 9mm ammunition in Nando community, Anambra East Local Government Area.
“This feat was recorded on February 13, 2026. Given the confession of the two earlier arrested suspects in custody, the Command Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu swiftly mobilised to the identified shrine in Nando.
“On approaching the shrine, about 30 able-bodied men were observed gathered at the premises. Upon sighting the Police, the armed men opened fire on the operatives.
“The Police operatives responded professionally, engaging the armed men in a gun duel. While the prime suspect, Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam, escaped alongside other gang members with bullet wounds.
“Also, during the gun battle, one of the arrested armed suspects sustained a bullet injury on the thigh and was immediately taken to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.”
Ikenga added that the arrested suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges members of the public to continue to provide useful information that will aid ongoing investigations.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he added.
PUNCH Online on November 29, 2025, reported that the Anambra State Police announced the recovery of two decomposing female bodies believed to be those of kidnapped Cameroonians from a river in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state.
A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said three Cameroonian women had been missing for some time, raising suspicions that they may have been kidnapped.
Ikenga said the police in the state had launched an investigation leading to the arrest of two suspects: Nonso Augustine Akpeh, 37, and Kingsley Akpeh, 44, who had been assisting with information. The third suspect had been on the run.
He added that the discovery of the decomposing bodies was in continuation of efforts to ascertain the whereabouts of the three ladies.