Police Arrest Two Suspected Kogi Bandits Operating In Anambra

Two suspected notorious Kogi-born bandits have been arrested in Anambra State, where they relocated to in their kidnapping escapades.

The two bandits, who were said to have been on the wanted list of security operatives in their home state, have been operating through Ukwulu in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.

New Telegraph gathered that they were alleged to have been involved in several kidnapping escapades, one of which the victim had to pay a ransom of N15 million against the initial demand of N30 million.

Confirming the arrest, the Police Spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said, “In the early hours of 27th July 2026, following credible intelligence and painstaking investigations, Anambra Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, carried out a coordinated operation and arrested one Dauda Mohamed, aged 38, a suspected member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Kogi State”

“During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations in Anambra State”

“He identified one Umar Ali, also known as “Barjini,” aged 50, as the leader of the gang responsible for coordinating logistics and supplying operational weapons to the criminal network”

“He also mentioned other members of the syndicate identified as Usman and Gongola, who are currently at large”

“The investigation is directly linked to the kidnapping of a victim which occurred on 26th June 2026 at Divine Heritage Lodge, Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area’

“In that incident, armed hoodlums emerged from an uncompleted building behind the lodge, fired several gunshots, abducted the victim into a nearby bush, and later demanded a ransom of ₦30,000,000 (Thirty Million Naira)”

“After negotiations, the sum of ₦15,000,000 (Fifteen Million Naira) only was paid before the victim regained his freedom after spending four days in captivity’

Continuing Ikenga said that preliminary investigations reveal that the gang allegedly relocated from armed bandit enclaves in the North-West and established criminal operations within parts of the South-East. Investigations also indicate that the syndicate used an AK-47 rifle, allegedly supplied by the gang leader, to carry out kidnapping and armed robbery operations.

“Acting swiftly on information obtained during the interrogation, operatives extended the operation to Ugwuoba Gariki, Enugu State, where they successfully arrested Umar Ali, also known as “Barjini,”.

He assured Anambra people and all residents of Anambra that the Command remains resolute in denying criminals any safe haven within the State, adding that the Command shall continue to sustain proactive operations, strengthen intelligence gathering, and work collaboratively with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks wherever they may be.