Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested seven suspects, including a notorious gun repairer, and recovered seven firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating items in a series of coordinated, intelligence-led operations across the state.
The operations, which took place throughout June 2025, were part of a broader anti-crime strategy directed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, aimed at ridding Enugu State of cult-related and armed criminal activities.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the breakthrough came from multiple raids conducted by the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, SWAT, and Octopus Tactical Squads.
“On June 21, at about midday, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad stormed 9th Mile and arrested Yusuf John, aged 25,” the police statement read.
“A cut-to-size double-barrelled gun with one expended cartridge was recovered from him.”
John’s arrest followed the earlier apprehension of Ebube Victor (22), Kenechukwu Chiegwu (23), and Tochukwu Kingsley Nwodo (26)—all of whom confessed to being members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity. The suspects admitted to using the recovered weapon in multiple criminal operations.
In a related development, the same squad arrested Ugwualor Obumneke (22) on June 17, based on a confession from Onah Uchenna (36), who had been previously apprehended in connection with armed robbery and cultism.
Further investigation led to the recovery of a locally made Beretta-like pistol, two double-barrelled and one single-barrel pistol, the chamber of an English double-barrel gun, and a full set of tools used for gun repairs.
“The suspects confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity,” the police said.
“Onah Uchenna also admitted to owning the repair tools and to specialising in the maintenance of firearms.”
Another combined operation between June 15 and 20 in Nkanu West and Enugu North LGAs led to the arrest of Iloh Chukwunonso (39). Police recovered a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol from him. During the same operation, a cut-to-size gun and two live cartridges, abandoned by fleeing suspects, were also recovered.
All suspects, according to the police, will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending his men, CP Mamman Giwa praised the tactical precision and commitment of the operatives involved, stressing the Command’s continued efforts to ensure safety in Enugu.
“We remain unwavering in our resolve to combat crime and criminality in Enugu State,” CP Giwa said.
“We urge citizens to be law-abiding, vigilant, and to provide credible information to the Police to support our mission.”
The Enugu State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to making the state inhospitable to criminals, especially as security efforts intensify ahead of the upcoming festive season.
