Operatives of the Enugu Police Command have arrested at least five male suspects for alleged armed robbery and related offences in separate operations within the state.
The Enugu State Command Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects through a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu, said the command’s operatives recovered two firearms and seven rounds of ammunition from the suspects.
Ndukwe said that on 29 October, at about 5:45 p.m., operatives of the Distress Response Squad intercepted a shuttle bus from Enugu to Abakaliki during a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu–Abakaliki Road.
“Upon searching, the occupant was found in unlawful possession of a cut-to-size locally made single-barrelled gun and was immediately detained
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was travelling from Awka, Anambra State,” he said.
Ndukwe said that on 28 October, at about 10:30 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, stormed New Garriki by Ukwu-Achara in Enugu and detained another suspect.
“A locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol loaded with one round of 9mm calibre ammunition was recovered from him,” he said.
The state police image-maker added in the statement that on 20 October, at about 2 p.m., police operatives, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch members, raided a black spot at Amechi-Awkunanaw in Enugu.
According to Ndukwe, operatives detained three suspects, and six live cartridges were recovered from them, adding that the suspects would be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.
The state police publicist quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, in the statement to have in commended the command for the successful operations, and urged residents to be law-abiding, vigilant, and support the police especially during the ’ember’ months.
“As a command, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to sustaining the fight against unrepentant criminals and ensuring the continued safety and security of residents of the state,” Giwa said.
