Police arrests 16 over killing of operatives, recover arms

 

The Nigeria Police Force says it has arrested 16 suspects for complicity in a series of violent and unprovoked attacks on security operatives and facilities in some states of the Federation.

Ugochukwu Samuel a.k.a Biggy, 28-year-old native of Arochukwu, Abia State; Raphael Idang, 31-year-old native of Odukpani, Cross River state; Cletus Nwachukwu Egole aka ‘Alewa’, 60-years-old native of Orlu in Imo State; Michael Uba, 33yrs from Imo State; and 12 others were said to have been arrested in various parts of the country.

Police Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, said in a statement on Sunday that Police investigations established and linked the suspects to several incidents of attacks and murder of security personnel as well as stealing, unlawful possession of firearms, arson and malicious damage to operational assets of military and law enforcement agents.

“Specifically, investigations revealed that the duo of Ugochukwu Samuel aka Biggy and Raphael Idang were among the criminal elements that attacked policemen on duty at a checkpoint on 24th December, 2020 along Orlu-Ihiala Road in Imo state, where two police officers were killed and a Police Hilux patrol van set ablaze.

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“In addition, both were part of a larger group that attacked a police reconnaissance team on 13th January, 2021 killing one police officer. Ugochukwu Samuel a.k.a Biggy, who sustained a bullet wound during an attack by his gang on a military convoy in which some soldiers were killed and weapons carted away, was subsequently arrested while receiving treatment in a hospital. Both suspects confessed to being active members of IPOB and ESN,” Mba said.

According to the Police spokesman, Cletus Nwachukwu Egole a.k.a Alewa and Michael Uba, described as a prophet with the Association of Jewish Faith who were also arrested were said to be two of the masterminds of the various attacks on security personnel.

“Cletus Nwachukwu Egole aka Alewa’s house was used by the gang members to plan their nefarious operations. He also donated his late brother’s farmland for use as a hideout and training camp for the gang,” the statement stated.

Mba listed a total of nine AK-47 rifles, five other sophisticated firearms, 17 AK-47 Magazines, 549 AK-47 live ammunition, 10 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), camouflage bullet proof vests, walkie talkies and other incriminating items as items recovered from the suspects.

All the suspects, Mba said, will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.