Police Arrest 4 More Suspects Over Killing Of 3 Cameroonians In Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of three nationals of Cameroon in the state.

The victims were reportedly abducted in November 2025 and later killed, with their bodies dumped in a river in Anambra West Local Government Area.

Police operatives subsequently recovered the decomposing remains days after the incident.

Following the discovery, investigations led to the earlier arrest of two suspects who were providing useful information to investigators.

However, in a statement on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, said four more suspects were arrested on February 13, 2026, after confessions from the suspects already in custody.

According to him, the suspects, all male, were apprehended in a shrine located in Nando, Anambra East LGA, after a gun battle with operatives of the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu.

Recovered items included two pump-action guns, a locally made Beretta pistol, a machete, assorted charms and ammunition.

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.”

SP Ikenga added that the suspects were undergoing interrogation, while efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the 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.

Earlier reports on November 29, 2025, stated that police recovered decomposing bodies believed to be those of the kidnapped Cameroonian women from a river in Anambra West LGA.

Police had initially arrested Nonso Augustine Akpeh, 37, and Kingsley Akpeh, 44, during the preliminary investigation, while another suspect remained at large.

Authorities said the investigation was still ongoing.