•As CP reaffirms commitment to rid state of unrepentant criminal elements
The Enugu State Police Command, said it has arrested four male criminal suspects allegedly involved in armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm, burglary, stealing and cultism.
Their arrest led to the recovery of three firearms with nine live cartridges and stolen items.
A statement released yesterday by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, in the description of the operation noted that “On 29/03/2021 at about 1430hrs, Operatives attached to No. 3-PMF Enugu, while on routine patrol duty in Nsude-Udi area of Enugu/Awka Road, intercepted and arrested one Chinobi Nwalam aged 25, of No. 6, Jerome Street, Abakpa-Nike Enugu, in a Toyata Hiace commuter bus and recovered one (1) locally-made double-barrel pistol with two (2) live cartridges.
“The suspect, who was handed over to 9th Mile Police Division for further investigation, confessed to being a member of an armed robbery gang and led Police Operatives attached to the Division to their criminal hideout in Udi Town. The criminal suspects on sighting the Operatives engaged them in a gun duel, which resulted in one of the suspects sustaining gunshots injuries and later confirmed dead in the hospital, while the others escaped.
“One (1) locally-made cut-to-size gun with seven (7) live cartridges and three (3) different makes of mobile phones, were further recovered.
“Similarly, Police Operatives attached to the Command’s Anti-Cult Squad, Nsukka Unit, on 25/03/2021 at about 0430hrs, arrested one Nwachukwu Emeka aged 32, of No. 7, Amagwu Umuachumo Street, Nsukka, alleged to be a member of Vikings Confraternity cult group and a deadly criminal gang operating within Nsukka and its environs. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspect confessed to being a member of the said cult group and criminal gang, while one (1) locally-made cut-to-size gun was recovered from him.
“In another development, Police Operatives attached to Isi-Uzo Police Division on 23/03/2021 at about 1500hrs, arrested one Kingsley Odo aged 18 and Dabere Ezeoba aged 19, both of Neke-Uno in Isi-Uzo L.G.A., alleged to have burgled some traders’ shops at Neke on 22/03/2021 and stole cash sum of N8, 000.00 and different items in the shops.
“They both confessed to the crime, while two (2) rolls of electric cables and other items of electrical installations, one (1) White and Lovely body lotion, four (4) pairs of black socks, one (1) bottle of Champion perfume, one (1) Spring and Eva Soap each, five (5) pieces of toothbrush, two (2) pieces of Sunshine air freshener and one (1) piece of MyMy toothpaste, were recovered from them.
“All the suspects would be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.”
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ndatse Aliyu, while commending the efforts of the operatives, charged them to sustain the tempo. He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to rid the State of unrepentant criminal elements and their activities.
He enjoined residents of the State to remain law-abiding, vigilant and promptly report suspected criminals and their activities to the nearest Police Station or by calling the Command’s emergency hotlines on: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202 or 08098880172; or send an E-mail to: [email protected].
