The Enugu State Police Command has dismantled an interstate criminal syndicate specialising in armed robbery and financial fraud.
In a statement on Saturday, police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe reported that the operation was successfully executed through coordinated efforts involving the Emene Division, Crack Tactical Squad, Octopus Tactical Squad, and the Neighbourhood Watch Group. This led to the arrest of eight male suspects and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, cash, and other stolen items.
The suspects are 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).
Ndukwe stated that two locally made pistols, one loaded with a live cartridge and the other with an expended cartridge, were recovered, along with a cash sum of ₦300,450.
“Also recovered were ten laptops, land documents, ten mobile phones, assorted jewellery and watches, one MP3 player, one headphone, four power banks, two SIM cards, various footwear, and bags.
“The operation began on November 12, 2024, at around 3:30 a.m., when operatives from the Emene Division, supported by Neighbourhood Watch members, responded to a distress call about an armed robbery at an estate in Emene. During this operation, Ismaila Isah was apprehended with one locally made pistol, the cash of ₦300,450, and some stolen items, although several accomplices managed to escape.
“Ismaila was subsequently transferred to the Crack Tactical Squad for further investigation. His confessional statements and careful investigations led to the arrest of Sadik Ahmed, Abbas Usman, Mubarak Garba, Abubakar Haruna, and Abubakar Sani at their hideouts in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu, where another locally made pistol and additional stolen items were seized.
The Police PPRO revealed that operatives from the Octopus Tactical Squad used intelligence reports to apprehend Obiri Chukwuebuka and Bright Omeniru in Owerri, Imo State.
“During interrogation, they confessed to using mobile phones stolen by the syndicate to fraudulently access victims’ bank accounts. Two SIM cards from different networks were also recovered.
“Investigations indicate that the suspects admitted to committing multiple armed robberies within the Enugu metropolis and used victims’ mobile phone SIM cards to perpetrate acts of fraud.
“They further acknowledged moving and selling the stolen proceeds in Imo and other states. Sadik Ahmed, the dismissed soldier, admitted to leveraging his background as a former security agent to evade checkpoints while transporting stolen items across state lines.
The suspects Ndukwe said, will be arraigned in court upon the completion of investigations.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police CP Kanayo Uzuegbu has commended the operatives for their operational success.
He urged personnel to maintain their momentum against criminal activities, particularly during the festive season.
