Police Neutralize 21-Year-Old Cultist, Recover Arsenal of Weapons in Anambra Operation

Chukwuka Solomon shot dead after attempting to escape during raid on Amikwo hideout; confessed to membership in Supreme Vikings Confraternity and ties to notorious gang leader

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have shot and killed a 21-year-old suspected armed robber and notorious cultist during a security operation in the Amikwo community of Awka South Local Government Area.

The suspect, identified as Chukwuka Solomon, was neutralized in the early hours of Monday after attempting to flee during a search operation conducted by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, according to a statement released Tuesday by Police Spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

The Raid

The operation targeted a criminal den in Amikwo where intelligence reports indicated Solomon and other gang members had been terrorizing the community. During the search, police recovered a significant cache of weapons from the suspect:

- One pump-action gun

- Two locally made pistols

- Various expanded ammunition

The police team also successfully repelled an ambush by other gang members during the operation. Blood evidence at the scene suggested that some of the armed hoodlums escaped with varying degrees of bullet injuries.

How He Was Caught

Solomon had initially been arrested through community efforts by residents of Amikwo, who handed him over to police for investigation based on reports that he was a notorious cultist terrorizing the area with firearms.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as "Baggars," and admitted that the operational weapons recovered belonged to the confraternity.

The 'Aza Man' Connection

More significantly, Solomon disclosed during questioning that he worked for a notorious individual popularly known as "Aza Man," alleged to be involved in various criminal activities disturbing the peace of Awka and its environs.

Police operatives are currently working on leads provided by the deceased suspect to track down the gang leader and other members still at large.

Police Commitment

Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu reiterated the command's commitment to combating cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in the state.

The operation represents the latest in a series of police actions targeting criminal networks in Anambra. Just days earlier, the command arrested five suspected armed robbers allegedly involved in vandalism and theft at a company in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area.

What's Next

Police have promised that further developments will be communicated as investigations continue. The focus now shifts to apprehending "Aza Man" and other gang members who escaped during the operation.

For residents of Amikwo, the death of one alleged terror figure brings a measure of relief—but the knowledge that his associates remain at large tempers any celebration. The search continues.