Kehinde Fajobi
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested eight suspects, including a dismissed soldier, for armed robbery and financial fraud across the state.
The command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the interstate criminal syndicate was dismantled through coordinated operations involving the Emene Division, Crack and Octopus Tactical Squads, and the Neighbourhood See Group.
The operations resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, cash, and other stolen items.
The suspects include 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).
Recovered items include two locally made pistols, one of which was loaded with live and expended cartridges, ₦300,450 in cash, ten laptops, land documents, ten mobile phones, assorted jewellery, watches, and other valuables.
Ndukwe explained that the operation began on 12 November 2024, following a distress call about an armed robbery at an estate in Emene.
“Operatives from the Emene Division, with the support of Neighbourhood See members, arrested Ismaila Isah with one locally made pistol, ₦300,450, and stolen items, while others escaped,” he said.
Further investigation led to the arrest of five other suspects at their hideouts in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu, and the recovery of additional items.
Two more suspects were later arrested in Owerri, Imo State, where they admitted to using stolen phones to fraudulently withdraw funds from victims’ bank accounts.
The dismissed soldier, Ahmed, confessed to using his background in security to bypass checkpoints while transporting stolen items.
The suspects also admitted to selling stolen goods in Imo and other states.
Ndukwe confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court after the investigations are concluded.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, praised the officers for their success in dismantling the syndicate and urged them to maintain their efforts against criminal activities, particularly during the festive season.