The Enugu State Police Command has successfully apprehended eight suspects, including a dismissed soldier, in connection with a series of armed robberies and financial fraud across the state.
The arrests followed coordinated operations led by the Emene Division, Crack and Octopus Tactical Squads, and the Neighbourhood Watch Group.
The operations also resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, cash, and various stolen items.
The suspects, identified as Ismaila Isah (23), Sadik Ahmed (28, a dismissed soldier), Abbas Usman (33), Mubarak Garba (24), Abubakar Haruna (23), Abubakar Sani (32), Obiri Chukwuebuka (22), and Bright Omeniru (22), were apprehended at different locations.
Recovered items included two locally made pistols—one of which was loaded—a sum of ₦300,450.00, ten laptops, ten mobile phones, jewellery, land documents, power banks, and other valuables.
The crackdown began on November 12, 2024, when operatives from the Emene Division and the Neighbourhood Watch responded to a distress call about an armed robbery in an estate in Emene.
During the operation, Ismaila Isah was arrested on-site with a pistol, cash, and stolen items, while other gang members managed to flee.
Following his arrest, Ismaila’s confessions and subsequent investigations led to the apprehension of five additional suspects at hideouts in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu.
Another locally made pistol and more stolen items were seized during the raids.
In a related operation, the Octopus Tactical Squad, acting on intelligence, tracked down Obiri Chukwuebuka and Bright Omeniru in Owerri, Imo State.
The duo admitted to using stolen phones to access victims’ bank accounts and withdraw funds fraudulently. Two SIM cards linked to these crimes were also recovered.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in multiple armed robberies within Enugu metropolis.
They also confessed to selling stolen items in Imo and other states, with Sadik Ahmed exploiting his military background to evade law enforcement during interstate operations.
The state’s commissioner of police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, praised the operatives for their diligence and urged them to maintain their efforts in combating crime, especially during the festive season.
The police confirmed that all suspects would face prosecution after the investigations are concluded.
