Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a suspected firearm repairer and two other suspects in separate security operations across Nsukka and 9th Mile areas of the state, recovering firearms, live ammunition, a motorcycle, and other incriminating exhibits.
The arrests were made during sustained intelligence-driven and stop-and-search operations aimed at tackling crime and criminality across the state.
Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the operations led to the recovery of three locally made guns, six live cartridges, and other suspicious items linked to criminal activities.
According to him, operatives attached to the Surveillance Team of Okpuje Division intercepted one Sunday Okwumaji, aged 23, at Ovogovo in Nsukka Local Government Area on May 19 at about 3:30 p.m.
The suspect, who hails from Alogwugwu in Igala-Mela Local Government Area of Kogi State, was reportedly apprehended during a stop-and-search operation.
“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of one locally made pistol loaded with one live cartridge concealed in his bag,” Ndukwe stated.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect allegedly claimed to be a firearm repairer and confessed that the weapon was handed over to him by its owner for repairs.
“The suspect claimed to be a firearm repairer and stated that the firearm was handed over to him for repairs by its owner, who is currently at large,” he added.
In another operation carried out the same day at about 5:00 p.m., operatives attached to the Command’s Distress Response Squad intercepted a motorcycle carrying three occupants along the Abor/Nsukka Old Road in the 9th Mile area.
According to the command, two suspects, including the motorcycle rider, fled during an attempted search, while one suspect identified as Chimobi Ozo, aged 27, was arrested.
Recovered from his bag were a locally fabricated revolver pistol and four live cartridges.
“The suspect confessed to involvement in cult-related activities and stated that he and his fleeing accomplices were heading to a secret cult gathering at Ijebuoghene in Udi Local Government Area before their interception,” the statement said.
The police also disclosed that in a separate surveillance operation conducted on May 15 along Amaenu Edem in Nsukka, operatives attached to the Nsukka Area Command recovered another locally made pistol and other suspicious items after a suspect abandoned his motorcycle and fled upon sighting security operatives.
Items recovered from the abandoned bag included one live cartridge, bunches of keys, a tube suspected to be used for consuming illicit drugs, torchlights, spanners, and an iron cutter.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the operation, police operatives later tracked and arrested the fleeing suspect, identified as Ekene Alphous Ugwu, aged 31, on May 16.
The command stated that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects linked to the incidents, while those already in custody would be arraigned after investigations are concluded.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and vigilance, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the command’s determination to intensify the fight against criminality in Enugu State.
“The Command remains resolute in sustaining the fight against crime and criminality in the State,” the commissioner stated.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of aiding security operations across the state.
