From Our Correspondent – Enugu
The Enugu State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained border security efforts under the Inspector-General of Police’s “Handshake Patrol” initiative.
The operations, conducted at different border locations across the state, led to the foiling of an attempted armed robbery, the neutralization of one armed robbery suspect, arrest of four other suspects, and the recovery of two firearms, suspected illicit drugs, and other incriminating exhibits.
In one of the operations on June 28, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., Operatives attached to the Command’s Amechi-Idodo Division, in collaboration with members of Neighbourhood Watch, foiled an armed robbery attempt and dislodged the criminal gang that had blocked a section of the Enugu–Abakaliki Road to rob commuters.
The SUPREME learnt that, 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 (male), sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while other members escaped. His confessional statements led to the arrest of Izuchukwu Nwanga (male), who kept the gang’s proceeds of crime. Kenneth was taken for medical treatment but was later confirmed dead.
In another border operation carried out at about 5:30 p.m. on the same date, Police Operatives attached to the Umumba Division, acting on credible intelligence linked to an armed robbery gang, stormed a criminal hideout at Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, bordering Anambra State. The operatives arrested two suspects identified as Uwah Ifesinachi Sunday (male, 23) and Chinonso Okafor Paul (male, 25). One locally fabricated pistol, a knife, a scissors, and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered.
Similarly, at about 10:00 a.m. on the same date, Operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad (DRS), while conducting stop-and-search operations along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway at Ugwuoba in Oji-River Local Government Area, bordering Anambra State, intercepted a commercial tricycle conveying passengers. A search of the passengers led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun belonging to Ifediri Nwobu (male, 21). The suspect attempted to evade arrest by fleeing and jumping into a nearby river but was successfully 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.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, 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.
Spokesman for the Command SP Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the story.
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