The Enugu State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing border security operations under the Inspector-General of Police’s Handshake Patrol initiative, foiling an attempted armed robbery, neutralising a suspected gang leader, arresting four other suspects, and recovering firearms, suspected illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits.
The Command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who said the coordinated operations were carried out at different border communities across Enugu State as part of intensified efforts to combat violent crimes through intelligence-led policing.
According to the statement, operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, working alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch, on June 28, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., foiled an attempted armed robbery along the Enugu–Abakaliki Road after a gang reportedly blocked the highway to rob unsuspecting motorists.
Ndukwe said the suspects, who had long been on the police watchlist for armed robberies along the border corridor, engaged security operatives in a gun duel during which the gang leader, Ifesinachi Kenneth, sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while other members escaped.
He added that the suspect’s confession led to the arrest of another suspect, Izuchukwu Nwanga, who allegedly kept the gang’s proceeds of crime.
“The gang, which had been on the Command’s watchlist for armed robberies along the border road, engaged the operatives in a gun duel during which its leader, Ifesinachi Kenneth, sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while other members escaped. His confessional statements led to the arrest of Izuchukwu Nwanga, who kept the gang’s proceeds of crime. Kenneth was taken for medical treatment but was later confirmed dead,” the statement said.
In a separate operation later the same day, at about 5:30 p.m., operatives attached to the Umumba Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, bordering Anambra State.
The police arrested Uwah Ifesinachi Sunday, 23, and Chinonso Okafor Paul, 25, recovering a locally fabricated pistol, a knife, a pair of scissors and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Also, at about 10:00 a.m. on June 28, operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad (DRS) intercepted a commercial tricycle during a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway at Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area.
According to Ndukwe, a search of the passengers led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun allegedly belonging to Ifediri Nwobu, 21, who attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby river but was eventually apprehended.
“Further investigations aimed at arresting other suspects connected to the cases are ongoing, while all apprehended suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he stated.
Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the professionalism, courage and synergy between the Police and members of the Neighbourhood Watch.
“The Commissioner of Police commended the courage, professionalism, and collaboration demonstrated by the Police Operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch in the successful operations. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening border security and combating violent crimes through intelligence-led policing, while urging residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing efforts to rid the State of criminal elements,” Ndukwe said.
