The Enugu State Police Command has successfully dismantled an interstate criminal network involved in armed robbery and financial fraud.
This breakthrough came after a series of well-coordinated operations led by the Emene Division, supported by the Crack and Octopus Tactical Squads, and in partnership with the Neighbourhood Watch Group.
These efforts culminated in the arrest of eight male suspects, as well as the seizure of firearms, ammunition, stolen cash, and various other illicit items.
In a statement released on Saturday, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Enugu State, provided details of the operation.
The suspects arrested include Ismaila Isah (23), Sadik Ahmed (28, a former soldier), Abbas Usman (33), Mubarak Garba (24), Abubakar Haruna (23), Abubakar Sani (32), Obiri Chukwuebuka (22), and Bright Omeniru (22).
This successful intervention marks a significant step in curbing organised crime in the region, demonstrating the state’s commitment to ensuring safety and security for all citizens.
According to Ndukwe, “Two locally made pistols loaded with a live and expended cartridge and a cash sum of three hundred thousand, four hundred and fifty Naira (N300,450.00) were recovered.
“Further recovered are ten laptops, land documents, ten mobile phones, assorted jewellery and watches, one MP3 player, one headphone, four power banks, two SIM cards, footwear, and bags.
“The operation commenced on November 12, 2024, around 3:30 a.m., when operatives from the Emene Division, supported by Neighbourhood Watch members, responded to a distress call regarding an armed robbery at an estate in Emene.
“During the operation, Ismaila Isah was apprehended with one locally made pistol, the said N300,450.00, and some stolen items, while others escaped.
“Ismaila was later transferred to the Crack Tactical Squad for further investigation.
“His confessional statements and subsequent discreet investigations led to the arrest of Sadik Ahmed, Abbas Usman, Mubarak Garba, Abubakar Haruna, and Abubakar Sani at their hideouts in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu. Another locally made pistol and additional stolen items were recovered.”
He further stated that operatives from the Octopus Tactical Squad used an intelligence report and apprehended Obiri Chukwuebuka and Bright Omeniru in Owerri, Imo State.
“During interrogation, they admitted to using phones stolen by the syndicate to fraudulently withdraw funds from victims’ bank accounts. Two SIM cards from different networks were also recovered.
“Investigations reveal that the suspects confessed to committing multiple armed robberies within the Enugu metropolis and using the victims’ mobile phones’ SIM cards to also commit acts of fraud.
“They further confessed to moving and selling the stolen proceeds in Imo and other States. Sadik Ahmed, the dismissed soldier, admitted to exploiting his background as a former security agent to bypass checkpoints during the interstate shipment of the stolen items.
“The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has commended the operatives for the operational breakthroughs.
“He urges them to sustain the momentum against criminal activities, especially during the festive season,” the PPRO further stated.
