The Anambra Police Command says it has detained four additional suspects in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of three female Cameroonian nationals in the state.

The state police public relations officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Ikenga said the suspects were arrested during an operation in Nando, Anambra East Local Government Area (LGA), on Friday.

“The police recovered two pump-action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted ammunition, and charms from the suspects,” he said.

He said the suspects, all male, included the alleged chief priest of a shrine and three others, aged 27, 21, and 38.

The police spokesman said the operation was carried out based on information provided by two suspects who were earlier arrested in connection with the incident.

He said the command’s operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, swiftly mobilised to the identified shrine in Nando.

Mr Ikenga added that as officers approached the shrine, about 30 men were observed gathered on 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, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam, escaped alongside other gang members with bullet wounds,” he said.

Mr Ikenga also said that 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 was currently receiving medical attention.

He said the detained suspects were currently undergoing interrogation, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.

“The command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” he said.

On the evening of November 28, 2025, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, conducted a search along the Omambala River in Anambra West LGA.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers.

During the search, the team recovered two decomposed female bodies believed to be victims of the kidnapping incident.

Police investigators had earlier arrested two suspects, aged 37 and 44, who later assisted in the arrest of the four additional suspects.

(NAN)