Yuletide: Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has intensified its efforts to ensure a crime-free holiday season, arresting multiple armed robbery suspects and recovering firearms and other items during various operations across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Thursday that police operatives had recovered five firearms, two live cartridges, a stolen tricycle, and other incriminating items in the course of the operations.

He added that the arrests and recoveries were part of measures to guarantee the safety of residents during the yuletide.

One of the suspects, Daniel Aniude, 29, was arrested on November 22, by officers from the Abakpa Division in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group. Aniude, who was caught in the act of robbing a female victim, was found with an imitation pistol.

“Following investigations, Aniude was arraigned in court and remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Service,” Ndukwe said.

Another suspect, 25-year-old Uzor David, was apprehended on November 12 by operatives from the Nkanu East Division with support from vigilant citizens. According to the police, David had chartered a tricycle from Holy Ghost, Enugu, to Nara in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

Upon arrival, he used a locally made pistol to shoot the tricyclist in the hand before snatching the tricycle and attempting to escape.

“The suspect was arrested after security operatives swiftly intervened. The tricycle and firearm were recovered, while the injured victim is receiving treatment and is in stable condition.

“The suspect will face court charges upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations,” Ndukwe added.

The spokesperson also disclosed that on December 10, at about 2 a.m., police operatives from the Emene Division, aided by the Neighbourhood Watch, foiled an armed robbery attempt at Upper Rehab, Emene, Enugu.

He said the robbers fled the scene, abandoning a locally made pistol and an expended cartridge.

Similarly, on December 2, around 8 p.m., another robbery attempt at College Road, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, was thwarted by officers from the Abakpa Division working with the Neighbourhood Watch.

The fleeing suspects left behind a locally made pistol and two live cartridges, which were recovered.

Ndukwe further revealed that on December 6, operatives from the Enugu Metro Area Command acted on credible information and discovered a Beretta pistol hidden in a sack containing cassava flakes (garri) at Abakpa Junction Bus Stop.

He said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the concealed weapon.

Commending the operatives involved, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment throughout the festive season.

He called on residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding while urging them to provide credible information and intelligence to the police.

“We are determined to make Enugu State unsafe for criminals during this yuletide season and beyond. Let us work together to keep our communities secure and peaceful,” Uzuegbu stated.