Author: Gist Correspondent

Some traders at the popular Onitsha market in Anambra State have appealed to the state Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, to investigate alleged cases of harassment, shop break-ins and seizure of goods by a team of police officers.

The traders alleged that the officers, said to be attached to the Area Command in Onitsha, routinely break into shops at night and confiscate goods without presenting search warrants or explaining the basis for their actions.

Speaking on behalf of the affected traders, Nnanunyelugo Elias claimed the raids are usually carried out around 10 p.m. after most shop owners have closed for the day.

He alleged that the officers forcefully gain access to targeted shops using heavy tools before removing goods and taking them to the Area Command.

According to the traders, one of the most recent incidents occurred on August 9, 2026, at a medicine store in the Building Materials Section of the market.

They alleged that police officers identified as Inspector Anthony, Inspector Elijah, Sergeant Daniel, Sergeant Ebo and an Assistant Superintendent of Police, identified as Sebastine, participated in the operation.

The traders further claimed that drugs valued at over N50 million were removed from the shop and transported in a police vehicle without any court order or search warrant.

They alleged that when the shop owner reported to the Area Command the following day, he was informed that the goods had been transferred to a government ministry, without being told the specific offence committed or the agency responsible for the seizure.

The traders also claimed that an officer privately advised the owner that the goods had already been disposed of and warned him to leave the station to avoid possible detention.

Describing the incident as part of a recurring pattern, the traders alleged that several business owners had suffered similar experiences but had remained silent out of fear.

They urged the Commissioner of Police to investigate the allegations, identify any officers found culpable and take appropriate disciplinary action to restore public confidence.

The traders further warned that unchecked misconduct by security personnel could undermine policing efforts in Onitsha, one of the country's busiest commercial centres.

As of the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations.