The Enugu State Police Command has scored a major win in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime, arresting four armed robbery suspects in a string of successful operations that also led to the recovery of locally made firearms and other stolen items.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the arrests were carried out in separate incidents between March and September 2025, showcasing the sustained efforts of law enforcement to curb criminal activities across the state.
The first arrest took place on March 17th, around 11:40 pm when operatives from the Ikirike Division and the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad responded swiftly to a distress call along Agbani Road.
There, they apprehended 25-year-old Okechukwu Anthony in the act of attempting to rob a man of his smart wristwatch.
A locally fabricated pistol, designed to resemble a Beretta but lacking a magazine and ammunition, was found on the suspect.
Authorities say his prompt arrest averted what could have been a more serious attack.
Just hours later, at about 3:15 p.m. on the same day, officers from the 9th Mile Division responded to a reported robbery in progress at Uzo-Nwa Money, Ngwo, in Udi Local Government Area.
Upon arriving at the scene, police disrupted the suspects mid-robbery. Although one of the attackers managed to flee, the operatives, supported by vigilant community members, arrested Chukwudi Stephen Ngwu (36) and Chibuike Ohaekelem (23).
Recovered from the scene were another locally made pistol, similar in appearance to a Beretta, and a small bag of rice believed to have been used as bait in the heist.
Initial investigations reveal the suspects, along with their still-at-large accomplice, had posed as passengers in a tricycle (keke) from New Market, Enugu, carrying the rice to mislead the unsuspecting driver before launching their attack.
In a separate incident on September 15th, at approximately 4:10 am, officers from the Ogui Division, with help from residents, apprehended 29-year-old Oluchukwu Stanley while he was attempting to rob a home in Ogui-Nike.
Police say Stanley had scaled the fence of a residential compound and tried to snatch a victim’s phone.
His plans were thwarted when the victim raised an alarm, alerting neighbors and the police. The suspect was overpowered and another locally made pistol was recovered at the scene.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the swift action and professionalism of the officers involved in all three operations.
He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for criminality and its commitment to protecting life and property in Enugu State.
“These arrests reflect our determination to take the fight to the doorsteps of criminals,” CP Giwa said.
“We will not relent in our efforts to make Enugu a safe place for all residents.”
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, stressing the importance of community cooperation in sustaining the progress made so far.
The suspects, according to police, will be charged to court following the conclusion of investigations.
