Enugu robbery suspects arrested, firearms recovered in multiple operations
The Enugu State Police Command on Thursday said it had made significant arrests ahead of the 2024 Christmas celebration, as part of efforts to ensure a safe and crime-free holiday season.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the police recovered five firearms, two live cartridges, a stolen tricycle, and other incriminating items during multiple operations.
The first suspect, Daniel Aniude, 29, was arrested on November 22, 2024, by police operatives from the Abakpa Division, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group.
Aniude and his accomplices were caught in the act of robbing a female victim, and one imitation pistol was recovered during the operation.
Following further investigations, Ndukwe said, Aniude was arraigned in court and remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Service.
The second suspect, Uzor David, 25, was arrested on November 12, 2024, by operatives from the Nkanu East Division, supported by the Neighbourhood Watch members and vigilant citizens.
David had chartered a tricycle and used a locally made pistol to shoot the tricyclist in hand before snatching the tricycle and attempting to escape.
He said, “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 the 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 the 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.
Ndukwe said the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives involved in the operations and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering resolve to make Enugu State unsafe for criminals throughout the yuletide season and beyond.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and proactive in supporting the police with credible information and intelligence.
