Anambra Police Arrest 65-Year-Old Man With Over 1,000 Rounds Of Ammunition In Onitsha.
A 65-year-old man, identified as Akpan Godwin, was apprehended by the Anambra State Police Command on 22 August 2025, in possession of 1,100 rounds of live ammunition. The arrest, carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, took place in the Nkpor area of Onitsha, a bustling commercial hub in Anambra State.
The operation followed credible intelligence received by the police, which led to the interception of Godwin, a resident of Onitsha. A thorough search uncovered the substantial cache of ammunition concealed in his possession. Authorities suspect the rounds were intended for illegal activities, though the exact purpose remains under investigation. The Anambra State Police Command, in a statement released on 23 August 2025, confirmed the arrest and noted that Godwin is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation to uncover the motives behind his actions and any potential accomplices.
This seizure marks a significant achievement in the state’s efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms, a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s southeast. The Anambra State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam, has intensified operations to combat gunrunning and related crimes, particularly in Onitsha, where criminal networks have exploited the city’s dense markets and transport routes. The police have reiterated their commitment to rooting out such activities, urging residents to provide timely information to aid their efforts.
Public reaction, as seen in posts on X, has largely praised the police for their swift action, with many expressing relief at the removal of such a large quantity of ammunition from circulation. However, some voices online have called for deeper investigations to dismantle the broader networks behind illegal arms trafficking in the region.
The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns in Anambra, where incidents of violent crime have underscored the need for robust policing. Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the ammunition and any links to organised crime. Godwin is expected to face charges related to illegal possession of ammunition, with further details to emerge as the case progresses.
This operation underscores the critical role of intelligence-led policing in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, offering hope for safer communities in Anambra and beyond.