Police rescue middle-aged man during patrol in Anambra

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have rescued an unidentified middle-aged man who was found unconscious and allegedly under the influence of hard drugs in Awka, the state capital.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement shared on Facebook on Thursday, said the victim was discovered by officers attached to the B Division during a midday patrol on July 15, 2026, along Oby Okoli Avenue near the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Temporary Site in Awka.

According to the police, the man was found lying unconscious by the roadside without any visible injuries or signs of violence.

“The victim was discovered by Police Operatives attached to B Division on a midday patrol on 15th July 2026 around Oby Okoli Avenue, UNIZIK Temporary Site, Awka. He was lying unconscious by the roadside with no visible signs of struggle or injuries suggestive of violence,” the statement read.

The officers immediately evacuated him to the Police Hospital in Awka, where he is currently receiving treatment.

The command added that a search conducted on the victim did not reveal any form of identification or a mobile phone that could assist in tracing his identity or relatives.

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“A search conducted on him did not reveal any means of identification or a mobile phone that could assist in tracing his identity or relatives,” the police said.

The police noted that preliminary findings suggested the man may have been under the influence of hard drugs, although investigations are ongoing.

“Preliminary assessment suggests that the victim may have been under the influence of hard drugs. However, efforts are ongoing to identify the victim and notify his family members for further necessary action,” the statement added.

The command said the incident highlights the dangers associated with substance abuse and drug addiction, particularly among young people.

It reiterated its commitment to the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, aimed at tackling drug abuse, cultism and other criminal activities through advocacy, public sensitisation and collaboration with stakeholders.

Hannah Johnson

Hannah Johnson is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over three years of professional experience in reporting, storytelling, and digital content creation. She blends traditional reporting skills with a modern, digital-first approach to journalism, producing content tailored for both web and social platforms. Hannah is skilled at turning complex topics into clear, engaging, and relatable stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism.