In a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday, the Anambra Vigilante Services (AVS) arrested eight suspected gunmen in Awka and surrounding communities in the central district of the State.
The vigilante group, in collaboration with the Police, has intensified efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.
The Police have also launched a search operation in hospitality centers, aiming to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
The arrested suspects are currently being interrogated, and further investigations are underway.
The AVS also recoverd some arm and armunations from the suspects.
Three of the suspected gunmen were intercepted at Amansea boundary of Anambra and Enugu States, while four other young men in their late twenties allegedly involved in snatching of phones from unsuspecting commuters in Keke Tricycles were arrested in Awka,the State capital.
The arrest followed response to the spate of killings and kidnapping that are being experienced in the area for almost a week now.
It was also gathered that the suspects were operating from outside the State and dashes out of Anambra State after successful operations.
Recall that at least Awka the State capital had recorded about 14 incidences of Kidnapping and cult related killings.
Within the period three persons who were said to have been kidnapped regained their freedom following a tip off by members of the public about their hide outs.
When contacted the State Commissioner for Homeland Matters, Chief Chikodi Anarah, who confirmed the arrest said that some information about the suspects cannot be made public as it would affect investigations and operations of security operatives.
Meanwhile the Spokesman of Anambra Police Command SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the Police have commenced the combing of hospitality centers in the State to fish out other criminal elements in the State, adding that the Police had earlier warned against harboring of cultists in the State.
According to him, the Command has reiterated its advise to proprietors of hotels, drinking bar and other relaxation centers to be mindful of the characters of those that patronize them as government would not hesitate to close down anyone that is discovered as a take off point of operations by those criminal elements.
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
