Enugu Police PRO, SP Ndukwe
The Enugu State Police Command has intensified its campaign against violent crime, successfully arresting 13 male suspects involved in various criminal activities including armed robbery, illegal firearms possession, and cultism.
The suspects were apprehended during a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted by the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, which also led to the recovery of firearms, stolen vehicles, and other incriminating items.
One of the operations, carried out on July 30 at around 3:40 am, was based on information obtained from a suspect already in custody, Ekene Akpata (aka Odumodu), 35, who is under investigation for armed robbery and cult-related offenses.
Acting on his confession, officers raided Oyofo-Oghe in Ezeagu LGA, leading to the arrest of three individuals: Ebuka Odinko (35), Chiemerie Amano (25), and Onyebuchi Onyekwere (24), all alleged members of the Vikings Confraternity involved in multiple robberies.
In a related operation between July 23 and 28, the squad extended its operations to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following leads from two other suspects; Okechukwu Ogbonna (65) from Abia State and Ezeonuji Charles (52) from Anambra State.
Two additional suspects were arrested: Udofia Richard (43) of Akwa Ibom and Richard Arinzechukwu Nwaomu (32) of Imo State.
Police recovered two suspected stolen vehicles, a red Toyota Camry XLE (YEN 221 AG) and an ash Kia Soul (PHC 845 AE).
On July 21, another group of suspects was captured in Umuasi Ngwo, Udi LGA. Arrested were Stephen Chidiebere (aka Shaggy, 42), Arinze Udeh (aka Anonymous, 30), and Onuigbo Kingsley (49).
The police seized a cut-to-size double-barrelled gun. Their arrests were connected to that of Ikemefuna Ani (aka Majority, 31), earlier picked up for similar offenses.
Preliminary investigations identify them as members of the Black Axe Confraternity.
Separately, on July 15, police from the Ogui Division, in collaboration with a local Neighbourhood Watch Group, arrested a 30-year-old robbery suspect, Ifeanyi Ede.
The suspect had allegedly used a pistol-shaped gas lighter to rob a taxi driver of ₦30,000, a phone worth ₦17,000, an ATM card, and vehicle keys. His accomplice escaped.
The stolen phone was recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that all suspects are under active investigation and will be prosecuted upon completion of case files.
Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the officers for their diligence and urged them to maintain their momentum in curbing crime.
He reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to the security of lives and property, calling on residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
The public can reach the Enugu Police Command via the following emergency lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, or through the Command-and-Control Centre on 112.
