A suspected member of a four-man criminal gang died after jumping from a storey building in a bid to escape arrest in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident on Friday, August 22, said the deceased was part of a group identified by security operatives during a patrol. The suspects were reportedly spotted carrying black “Super Shopping” bags.

According to Ikenga, three of the men fled on sighting security operatives, while the deceased, whose identity and address are yet to be confirmed, was apprehended with the bag.

“While being escorted to be handed over to the Police along with the recovered items, he attempted to escape by jumping down from the storey building,” Ikenga said.

He added that the suspect sustained gunshot wounds during efforts to re-arrest him and was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital. His body has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while recovered exhibits are in police custody. The weapon used by the vigilante group during the operation has also been secured.

Ikenga further disclosed that the Anambra State Police Command recorded “significant breakthroughs in separate operations carried out at Onitsha and Obosi respectively in its sustained fight against acts of sabotage and vandalism of government infrastructure.”

He explained that in a separate raid the same day, operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on intelligence, stormed a vandal’s hideout along Atani Road, Onitsha, and arrested three suspects: Adamu Ali, 25; Usman Sulaiman, 22; and Isah Abdullahi, 26.

“The Operatives also recovered from them bags of high-tension cable wires, melted cable wires and parts of transformer equipment. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are part of a syndicate that specialises in vandalizing and selling power installations, with Lagos identified as their major sales outlet,” he said.

Ikenga noted that a full-scale investigation into both incidents has commenced, with efforts underway to apprehend fleeing accomplices and recover additional stolen items.

“The Command reiterates its warning to criminal elements engaging in sabotage of public utilities that the Police will relentlessly fish them out. The Command also urges Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around government installations to the nearest Police Station for necessary action,” he added.