The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Okechukwu Igwegbe over suspected unlawful possession of a firearm in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was arrested on September 18, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Tactical Team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Ezekiel Imoh, following what the police described as credible intelligence.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation led to the recovery of one pump-action firearm and 11 live cartridges.
The police said the recovered firearm and ammunition have been secured as exhibits and are currently being subjected to further investigation.
The Command disclosed that the suspect has so far declined to make a statement to investigators and has not provided information on the source of the firearm and ammunition or the circumstances surrounding their possession.
However, the police said the investigation would continue through other lawful and independent means to establish the provenance of the firearm, the circumstances surrounding its possession and whether the recovered items are linked to any criminal activity or other persons of interest.
The investigation is expected to include forensic examination and ballistic tracing of the firearm where applicable, verification of the ammunition, interviews with relevant persons and a review of available intelligence and other evidence.
The police also assured that the suspect would be treated in accordance with the law, including respect for his right to remain silent and other applicable constitutional and legal safeguards.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for what he described as a vigilance and intelligence-led intervention.
He directed investigators to conduct a thorough and professional investigation, particularly to trace the source of the firearm and ammunition and identify any individual or network that may be connected to their possession, movement or supply.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling the circulation of illegal firearms and ammunition through intelligence-led policing.
He also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to the police and other security agencies to support efforts to prevent crime and protect communities.
