Enugu – Enugu State Police Command has dismantled multiple armed robbery and cult syndicates operating within and outside the state. Thirteen suspects have been arrested in a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations, leading to the recovery of firearms, stolen vehicles, and other incriminating exhibits.
Click Here to Join Our Whatsapp Channel
The operations, spearheaded by the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, targeted known cult groups and robbery gangs across Enugu, Rivers, and neighboring states. Acting on credible intelligence and confessional statements, the police conducted multiple raids, netting key suspects and disrupting ongoing criminal activities.
July 30 arrests in Ezeagu
On July 30, at about 3:40 a.m., operatives stormed Oyofo-Oghe in Ezeagu LGA, based on a confession by one Ekene Akpata alias Odumodu, 35, who is currently under investigation for conspiracy, armed robbery, unlawful possession of ammunition, and cultism. The operation led to the arrest of Ebuka Odinko (35), Chiemerie Amano (25), and Onyebuchi Onyekwere (24), all alleged members of the Vikings Confraternity. They are linked to a string of armed robberies involving dispossession of residents’ valuables.
Port Harcourt crackdown
Earlier, between July 23 and 28, the Squad extended its operation to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following confessions from Okechukwu Ogbonna (65) of Abia State and Ezeonuji Charles (52) of Anambra State. Two additional suspects were arrested: Udofia Richard (43) from Akwa Ibom and Richard Arinzechukwu Nwaomu (32) from Imo. Recovered from them were two suspected stolen vehicles: a red Toyota Camry (YEN 221 AG) and an ash-coloured Kia Soul (PHC 845 AE).
Black Axe suspects nabbed in Udi
On July 21, operatives apprehended Stephen Chidiebere alias Shaggy (42), Arinze Udeh alias Anonymous (30), and Onuigbo Kingsley (49) at Umuasi Ngwo, Udi LGA. The arrest followed the earlier capture of Ikemefuna Ani alias Majority (31), tied to Black Axe Confraternity and implicated in armed robbery and cultism. A cut-to-size double-barrelled gun was recovered during the raid.
Fake gun robber arrested in Ogui
In a separate incident on July 15 at about 10:20 a.m., officers from Ogui Division, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, arrested Ifeanyi Ede (30) who, along with an accomplice still at large, had earlier robbed a taxi driver using a Spark-L electronic gas lighter disguised as a pistol. The suspects had boarded the taxi from Independence Layout to Ogui before robbing the driver of ₦30,000, a phone valued at ₦17,000, a bank ATM card, and vehicle keys. The robbed phone was recovered from Ede.
Police commissioner commends operatives
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the officers for their courage and professionalism, urging them to maintain the momentum. He reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to eliminating criminal elements from the state.
He also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003702, 08086671202, or via the 112 emergency line.
Investigations into all cases are ongoing, and suspects still at large are being actively pursued. The arrested individuals will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
