Police in Anambra State have recovered an abandoned fabricated AK 47 rifle and a magazine without ammunition in an apartment at Umuike Village, Awka, in Awka Local Government Area, following a late night operation by the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
The state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the weapon was left behind by a suspect who fled through the back door when officers arrived.
Ikenga confirmed the recovery on Friday, linking it to an ongoing probe into the killing of two men at Okochi Village, Okpuno, in Awka South. He said the principal suspect, identified as Nwajagu, other names unknown, had been traced to the Awka apartment but escaped before arrest.
He added in a formal statement: “Police Operatives attached the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu on 14th August 2025 acting on credible intelligence recovered an abandoned fabricated AK-47 rifle, one magazine without ammunition in an apartment at Umuike Village, Awka.”
“This was in continuation of ongoing investigations into a case of conspiracy, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms where two male victims were gruesomely murdered at Okochi Village, Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area.”
“The principal suspect, identified as Nwajagu (other names unknown), has been on the run since the incident and was traced to an apartment in Awka. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect fled through the back door.”
“The Command hereby assures that efforts are being intensified to apprehend and bring the fleeing suspect to justice. Meanwhile, the firearm has been recovered and taken into custody as an exhibit.”