The Enugu State Police Command has successfully foiled an armed robbery attempt in the early hours of Tuesday, neutralising one suspect and recovering firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating items.
The incident occurred at about 4:10 am on August 6, 2025, in the Premier Layout area of Enugu, following a distress call to the Independence Layout Police Division.
According to a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the swift response of police operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group led to a fierce exchange of gunfire with the suspected criminals.
“Upon sighting the security team, the criminal elements opened fire,” the statement read.
“But the team responded with superior firepower, neutralising one of the hoodlums, while others managed to escape.”
The identity of the neutralised suspect remains unknown, but a search of the scene yielded several items, including:
- A cut-to-size locally made single-barrel gun with one live cartridge
- A locally fabricated Beretta pistol with one round of live ammunition
- A Nokia torchlight phone belonging to the suspect
- Two iPhones reportedly stolen from victims
- A small red bag and a red-and-black coloured torchlight
- ₦9,000 in ₦1,000 notes
Further investigation on August 8 led to the discovery of an abandoned pump-action gun loaded with four live cartridges, suspected to have been dropped by the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the swift response and bravery of the officers involved.
He praised their professionalism and assured residents of the Command’s continued commitment to combating violent crimes in the state.
“We remain committed to ensuring that Enugu State is safe for all law-abiding residents. I urge citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to aid our proactive policing efforts,” the Commissioner stated.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or emergencies to the nearest police station, the Command’s control room via 08032003702 or 08086671202, or through the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre by dialling 112.
