The group accused officers of the Anambra State Police Command of interfering in a long-standing land dispute between Awka and neighbouring Nibo communities, a matter they said had already been determined by a court of law.

In the petition signed by the coordinator, Mr. Sunday Ezebunamadu, the group condemned what it described as repeated arrests and harassment linked to the dispute involving Chief Kenneth Afamefuna Ezekwesili of Umuike village, Awka.

They alleged that the claimant to the disputed land has been repeatedly targeted by opposing parties from Nibo, who they claimed were using some police officers from the state command, raising concerns of possible bias.

The group warned that such actions could escalate tensions between the two communities, stressing that the police are expected to remain neutral and uphold peace rather than take sides in civil disputes.

They further argued that police involvement in a matter already decided by an appellate court undermines the enforcement of judicial decisions and the rule of law.

The petition emphasized that respecting court judgments without interference is essential for maintaining public confidence in both the police and the justice system.

He made the remarks during his acceptance speech after emerging as President of the Congress for a four-year term at an elective congress held in Abuja.

Speaking to delegates and stakeholders, Obande said Middle-Belt youths are prepared to take a more active role in Nigeria’s political process.

He declared that the region’s young people would no longer remain passive, stressing that they intend to organise, mobilise, and ensure their voices are properly represented.

Obande also emphasised unity as a key focus of his leadership, pledging to place the collective interest of the Middle-Belt above personal ambition.

He said his mandate was about service and bringing people together to pursue shared goals that reflect the aspirations of the region.

Highlighting key challenges facing the Middle-Belt, including political exclusion, insecurity, and underdevelopment, he called for more strategic and purposeful leadership.

He noted the need to move from discussions to practical action, adding that youths deserve greater inclusion, opportunities, and security.

Obande further said his leadership would push for stronger youth representation in governance and more active engagement in decision-making processes.

He added that the Congress would work to build partnerships and demand accountability across all levels of leadership.

Obande, a former student union leader and immediate past president of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing, is known for his advocacy on issues affecting the Middle-Belt region.

The development was confirmed in a post on Tuesday by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, via his X account.

Security sources said the recovery took place on April 21, 2026, during follow-up operations at Nanewa village, where troops had earlier engaged insurgents in a firefight and neutralised several of them.

During a subsequent mop-up along the route used by fleeing insurgents, the troops reportedly discovered an anti-aircraft machine gun and several rounds of 7.62×54mm ammunition believed to have been abandoned during the encounter.

The sources also noted that blood traces were seen along the escape path, indicating that some of the fleeing insurgents may have been injured during the earlier clash.

Military authorities confirmed that the recovered items have been secured for documentation and further examination.