The Enugu State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing offensive against violent crime, successfully dismantling several armed robbery and cultist syndicates operating within and beyond the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, revealed that intelligence-led tactical operations led to the arrest of thirteen male suspects and the recovery of assorted firearms, stolen vehicles, and other incriminating evidence.
Ndukwe disclosed that a pivotal operation last month saw the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad storm Oyofo-Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area, acting on information from one Ekene Akpata (alias Odumodu), who is currently under investigation for armed robbery and cult-related activities.
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The raid resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects: Ebuka Odinko (35), Chiemerie Amano (25), and Onyebuchi Onyekwere (24).
Preliminary investigations suggest the trio are members of the Vikings Confraternity and have been implicated in a string of armed robberies, during which they dispossessed residents of valuables.
Between 23 and 28 July 2025, the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad expanded its operations to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, based on confessional statements made by two suspects in custody, Okechukwu Ogbonna (65) and Ezeonuji Charles (52), both under investigation for conspiracy and armed robbery.
The Port Harcourt operation led to the arrest of Udofia Richard (43) and Richard Arinzechukwu Nwaomu (32).
Two suspected stolen vehicles were recovered: a red Toyota Camry XLE (registration number YEN 221 AG) and an ash-coloured Kia Soul (registration number PHC 845 AE).
Earlier, Anti-Cultism operatives apprehended Stephen Chidiebere alias Shaggy, 42, Arinze Udeh, aka Anonymous, 30, and Onuigbo Kingsley, 49 in Umuasi Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area.
A cut-to-size double-barrelled gun was recovered during the operation.
Their arrests followed the earlier capture of Ikemefuna Ani alias Majority, 31, who is under investigation for armed robbery and cultism. Investigators have linked all four suspects to the Black Axe Confraternity.
In a separate incident, officers from the Ogui Division, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, arrested Ifeanyi Ede, 30 for suspected armed robbery.
A pistol-like object, later confirmed to be a Spark-L electronic gas lighter, was recovered at the scene.
According to the police, Ede and an accomplice, who is still at large, had, at about 2:20 a.m. the same day, robbed a taxi driver of N30,000 in cash, a mobile phone worth N17,000, his vehicle keys, and his ATM card.
The suspects had boarded the taxi from Independence Layout to Ogui, where they used the fake weapon to commit the crime.
Ede was swiftly arrested and the stolen phone was recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice.
All cases remain under active investigation, and the police have pledged to ensure that the suspects are charged in court upon conclusion of their inquiries.
Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, commended the operatives for their swift and decisive actions, urging them to maintain the momentum.
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He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating criminal elements across the state and safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
Giwa also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, or the Command-and-Control Centre on 112.
