The Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest of thirteen male suspects connected to armed robbery, illegal firearm possession, and cult-related crimes during a series of coordinated tactical operations across the state and beyond. These efforts also led to the recovery of firearms, two suspected stolen vehicles, and other incriminating items.
In a statement issued on July 31, 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the operations were executed by the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad in response to intelligence gathered during ongoing investigations.
The most recent arrest took place in the early hours of July 30 at Oyofo-Oghe, Ezeagu LGA, following the confessional statement of Ekene Akpata (alias Odumodu), 35, who is under investigation for conspiracy, armed robbery, and cultism. Acting on his lead, officers apprehended Ebuka Odinko (35), Chiemerie Amano (25), and Onyebuchi Onyekwere (24) — all confirmed members of the Vikings Confraternity — believed to have been involved in multiple armed robbery cases targeting local residents.
In an earlier operation between July 23 and 28, the squad extended its reach to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where suspects Udofia Richard (43) from Akwa Ibom and Richard Arinzechukwu Nwaomu (32) from Imo State were arrested. Their arrest was based on the confessions of Okechukwu Ogbonna (65) from Abia State and Ezeonuji Charles (52) from Anambra, both previously apprehended for conspiracy and robbery. Two vehicles suspected to have been stolen — a red Toyota Camry XLE (YEN 221 AG) and an ash Kia Soul (PHC 845 AE) — were recovered during the operation.In another significant breakthrough on July 21, operatives arrested Stephen Chidiebere (aka Shaggy, 42), Arinze Udeh (aka Anonymous, 30), and Onuigbo Kingsley (49) at Umuasi Ngwo in Udi LGA, and recovered a cut-to-size double-barreled gun. These arrests followed the earlier capture of Ikemefuna Ani (aka Majority, 31), linked to the Black Axe Confraternity and implicated in conspiracy and armed robbery investigations.
Separately, on July 15, a joint operation by the Ogui Division and Neighbourhood Watch Group led to the arrest of Ifeanyi Ede (30), shortly after he and a fleeing accomplice allegedly robbed a taxi driver of ₦30,000, a mobile phone worth ₦17,000, and his ATM card using a fake pistol, later identified as a Spark-L electronic gas lighter. The robbery occurred at about 2:20 a.m. after the suspects had boarded the taxi from Independence Layout to Ogui, Enugu. Ede was arrested with the stolen phone, while his partner escaped.
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, commended the officers involved for their swift and coordinated actions. He emphasized the Command’s unwavering resolve to rid the state of criminal elements, assuring the public that all suspects still at large will be apprehended and that investigations are ongoing.
“All cases are under active investigation and will be charged to court upon conclusion,” the statement confirmed.
CP Giwa also urged residents to stay alert and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, or the Command-and-Control Centre via 112.