A dramatic struggle between an unarmed victim and an armed robbery suspect in Awka, Anambra State, has once again exposed the grave danger faced by ordinary citizens amid the growing spread of unlicensed firearms and rising insecurity in public spaces.

The incident, which occurred in the late hours of December 25, 2025, led to the arrest of Nicholas Nweke, a suspect believed to be part of a growing network of criminals who prey on unsuspecting commuters at bus stops and other public locations. According to the Anambra State Police Command, the suspect attempted to rob the victim at gunpoint, demanding his mobile phone and other valuables.

Rather than surrender, the unarmed victim resisted, leading to a tense physical struggle over the firearm. At this critical moment, operatives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), Awka, arrived at the scene following a distress alert. The officers met both men grappling for control of the weapon and, through swift intervention, successfully disarmed and arrested the suspect.

Items recovered from the suspect included a pump-action rifle, five expended cartridges, one Itel mobile phone, and a cash sum of ₦1,200. Police investigations revealed that during the confrontation, the suspect allegedly fired shots, with pellets striking two innocent bystanders. The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently in stable condition, responding to treatment.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for a thorough and discreet investigation, assuring the public that justice will be pursued.

Beyond this incident, the police noted that similar criminal activities remain a major concern. Only days earlier, five suspected armed robbers posing as vigilante operatives were arrested at Ring Road, Nibo, while attempting to rob passengers in a shuttle bus. Firearms, live cartridges, and other incriminating items were recovered during the operation.

Security observers warn that such incidents reflect a broader national challenge, as unarmed civilians increasingly confront criminals emboldened by easy access to illegal weapons. This reality is also evident in Lagos State, where the resurgence of “one-chance” robbery has heightened fear among commuters, particularly in traffic-prone areas where criminals exploit unregistered vehicles to attack victims.

While the bravery of the victim and the prompt response of the police prevented a potentially fatal outcome in Awka, the incident underscores the urgent need for tighter control of illegal firearms, sustained security patrols, and stronger community collaboration to protect innocent lives.

As Nigerians continue to navigate daily routines under the shadow of insecurity, the Awka incident stands as both a reminder of citizens’ vulnerability and a call for decisive action against the spread of armed criminality.