Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in collaboration with local Neighbourhood Watch personnel, have dismantled an armed robbery and mini truck-snatching syndicate operating in the state.
The operation, which took place on May 11, 2025, around 3:00 p.m., led to the arrest of one suspect, the rescue of a kidnapped victim, and the recovery of a stolen mini truck.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the swift response by officers attached to the Ozalla Police Division followed a report of a truck hijacking incident. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Chinedu Onwuka, was apprehended while his accomplices managed to escape.
The suspects had reportedly hired the victim, a mini truck driver, under the pretense of transporting bags of sand from Ogbete, Enugu to Umuatuaboma in Nkanu West Local Government Area. However, during the journey, they diverted the vehicle along the Umuatuaboma–Obuofia Road, held the driver at gunpoint, and tied him to a tree in a nearby bush before fleeing with the vehicle — a Daihatsu Hijet, locally known as “Diana”.
Thanks to the rapid intervention by the police and Neighbourhood Watch, the victim was rescued unharmed, and the vehicle was recovered.
During interrogation, Onwuka confessed to the crime and further admitted to being involved in a similar operation the previous month. He disclosed receiving ninety thousand naira (₦90,000) as his share from the sale of another stolen mini truck.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their swift action and reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating violent crime in the state. He also advised mini truck and commercial truck operators to be cautious about the transport jobs they accept and to thoroughly verify their clients and destinations.
Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
