The Enugu State Police Command has made significant strides in ensuring a safe and crime-free Yuletide season.
Ahead of the 2024 Christmas celebration, the command has arrested two armed robbery suspects and recovered five firearms, two live cartridges, a stolen tricycle, and other incriminating items.
A statement on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said the arrests were made during multiple operations conducted by police operatives from various divisions, including Abakpa, Nkanu East, Emene, and Enugu Metro Area Command.
These operations were carried out in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group and vigilant citizens, Ndukwe disclosed.
Given a breakdown of the operations, Ndukwe said that police operatives from the Abakpa Division, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, on November 22, 2024, around 10:30 p.m., arrested one Daniel Aniude (29), of No. 27, Isiekenise Street, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu.
“The suspect and his accomplices, who fled, were intercepted in the act of robbing a female victim. One imitation pistol was recovered during the operation.
“Following the conclusion of further investigations by the Anti-Robbery (D9) Section of the State CID, Aniude was arraigned in court and remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Service.
“Another male suspect, Uzor David, aged 25, from Isu community in Aniocha LGA of Ebonyi State, was arrested on November 12, 2024, around 2 p.m., by operatives from the Nkanu East Division, supported by Neighbourhood Watch members and vigilant citizens.
“The suspect had earlier chartered a tricycle from Holy Ghost, Enugu, to Nara in Nkanu East LGA. Upon arrival, he used a locally made pistol to shoot the tricyclist in the hand, snatched, and attempted to escape with the tricycle.
“However, security operatives swiftly intervened, arresting the suspect and recovering the tricycle and firearm. The injured victim is receiving treatment and is in stable condition. The suspect will face court charges upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
“Furthermore, on December 10, 2024, at about 2 a.m., police operatives from the Emene Division, aided by the Neighbourhood Watch, thwarted an armed robbery attempt at Upper Rehab, Emene, Enugu. The robbers fled, abandoning a locally made pistol and an expended cartridge, which were subsequently recovered.
“Moreover, another attempted robbery at College Road, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, on December 2, 2024, around 8 p.m., was foiled by Abakpa Division operatives working with the Neighbourhood Watch. The fleeing suspects left behind a locally made pistol and two live cartridges, which were recovered.
“Additionally, police operatives from Enugu Metro Area Command, on December 6, 2024, at about 2:30 p.m., acted on credible information and discovered a Beretta pistol hidden in a sack containing cassava flakes (garri) at Abakpa Junction Bus Stop, Enugu. A discreet investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible,” he stated.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives involved and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to making Enugu State unsafe for criminals throughout the Yuletide season and beyond.
