The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 16-year-old boy, identified as Udochukwu Nwankwo, in connection with an alleged armed robbery at a hotel in Amansea, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.
Nwankwo was arrested by operatives attached to the B Division, Amansea, during a security patrol in the early hours of Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The police also recovered a shiny metallic lighter designed to resemble a pistol, which the command said was allegedly used by the teenager to threaten victims during robbery operations.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the arrest in a statement, saying preliminary investigations indicated that Nwankwo allegedly operated with two other accomplices who are currently at large.
According to the police, the suspect and his alleged accomplices attacked a guest at a hotel in Amansea and dispossessed her of her mobile phone and other personal belongings.
Ikenga said the pistol-like lighter was allegedly used to intimidate the victim during the incident.
He added that the suspect, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to using the recovered object to threaten victims during robbery operations.
Following the arrest, the command said it had intensified investigations and launched efforts to apprehend the two fleeing suspects.
The police are also working to recover the stolen mobile phone and other valuables allegedly taken during the robbery.
Ikenga said the command would continue its investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the appropriate legal process.
The latest arrest forms part of ongoing security operations by the Anambra Police Command aimed at tackling robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.
The police also assured residents that efforts would continue to strengthen patrols and intelligence-led operations across communities in Anambra.
The allegations against the teenager remain subject to investigation and due process.
