The Enugu State Police Command has made significant strides in its fight against crime with the arrest of six criminal suspects linked to armed robbery, cultism, and motorcycle theft.
The coordinated operations which spanned multiple days and locations, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, a stolen motorcycle and other incriminating items.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed that the arrests were the result of sustained intelligence-led policing efforts by various tactical units of the Command.
On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at around 10:30 p.m., operatives of the Crack Tactical Squad, while on patrol in the Abakpa area of Enugu, intercepted a male suspect riding a black motorcycle.
The rider, later identified as Tochukwu Edeh (27), aroused suspicion with his unusual behaviour.
A search revealed a locally fabricated pistol loaded with seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, concealed in a black bag in his possession.
In a related development, the Command’s Anti-Cultism Squad carried out a targeted operation on August 10, 2025, following confessions from two suspects already in custody for armed robbery and cult-related activities.
The follow-up led to the arrest of three alleged members of the Black Axe confraternity; Odoh Friday (24), Okamkpa Onyeka Chukwu (22) and Uzor Okwudili (23).
Recovered from the suspects were a locally made single-barrel pistol, an expended cartridge, three blue candles suspected to be used in cult rituals, and quantities of cannabis.
In another breakthrough, police operatives from the Oji-River Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), apprehended Kosi Ani (22) and Ahmed Ibrahim (29) on August 9, 2025, around 12:45 pm.
The suspects were caught attempting to sell a Topway motorcycle stolen the previous night.
Under interrogation, both men confessed to robbing a commercial motorcyclist around 9:00 p.m. on August 8.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, lauded the operatives for their swift and professional conduct.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining public safety and called on residents to continue supporting law enforcement efforts.
“We remain resolute in our mission to rid Enugu State of criminal elements. I urge citizens to provide credible information that can help us serve the public better,” CP Giwa said.
All suspects are currently in custody, and police investigations are ongoing.
The Command confirmed that they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
