A police-led joint security team has arrested nine suspects and recovered three AK-47 rifles, a pump-action gun, charms and other items during a stop-and-search operation in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026, by the Joint Operation Base, Aguata, led by the Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Austin Elaigwu.
The team comprised personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Agunechemba Security Outfit.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the security operatives intercepted two vehicles at a checkpoint in Isuofia—a custom-coloured Sienna and an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4.
A search of the vehicles reportedly led to the arrest of nine suspects, comprising seven males and two females, while the firearms and other items were recovered.
The suspects allegedly told investigators during preliminary interrogation that they were security operatives operating in a neighbouring state. However, police said they could not satisfactorily explain their identities, affiliations, possession of the firearms or the reason for their movement into Anambra State.
The suspects and recovered items have been taken into custody as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the joint security team for the operation, describing the recovery as a result of intelligence-led policing and effective stop-and-search measures.
The police command said the investigation would determine the identities and affiliations of the suspects as well as the purpose of their movement and possession of the recovered firearms.
