The Abia State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected criminals in separate operations across the state.

The arrests were part of intensified efforts to tackle armed robbery, cultism and vandalism of government property.

Police Public Relations Officer DSP Maureen Chinaka disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

She said operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and divisional formations carried out the operations through intelligence‑led strategies.

Among those arrested was a 27‑year‑old intercepted at Ubakala in Umuahia.

He was allegedly transporting a vandalised galvanised pipeline concealed beneath sawdust in a Toyota Hiace bus.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate who fled.

In Aba North, VCRU operatives arrested another 27‑year‑old for allegedly robbing a victim at gunpoint along Market Road by Rail.

A locally made pistol and live cartridges were recovered from him.

Officers attached to Uratta Divisional Police Station arrested two suspects over an alleged armed robbery attack at a hotel in Aba.

A firearm and live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Cultism And Ongoing Investigations

The Command said VCRU operatives raided a suspected cult meeting at Umuezeagwu in Umuahia North.

Several suspects were arrested during the raid.

Items recovered included a pump‑action gun, a Beretta pistol, live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, substances suspected to be hard drugs, walkie‑talkies, a face mask, two red berets and one black beret.

Police said investigations into the various cases are ongoing.

All suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property.

It urged residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.