Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Nigeria Police, Enugu State Command, says it has dismantled a notorious kidnapping gang and arrested suspects linked to burglary, car theft, and other crimes.
A statement by DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s spokesperson, said the operatives of the command also recovered firearms, ammunition, and stolen items from the suspects.
Ndukwe said that the breakthrough followed series of intelligence-driven operations by the Command.
According to the police spokesperson: “On December 15, 2024, operatives from the Nsukka Area Command raided a gang’s hideout in the Nru community, Nsukka Local Government Area, acting on credible intelligence, the police engaged the suspects in a gunfight, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds.”
He said that police recovered items which include a loaded revolver pistol, a cut-to-size single-barrel gun, Two live cartridges, Military camouflage uniforms, a Moniepoint POS machine, and ATM cards.
He said that preliminary investigations linked the gang to multiple kidnapping incidents and other crimes in Nsukka.
“Police efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects,” he said.
Speaking further, Ndukwe said that in a separate operation, officers from the Abakaliki Road Division in Enugu apprehended four burglary suspects named: Nelson Uchechi (22), Waziri Adamu (21), Auwal Kachalla (30), and Abba Mohammed.
He said: “The suspects were caught on November 14, 2024, after allegedly breaking into a residence in GRA, Enugu, and stealing bicycles, laptops, phones, and other valuables.
“Police recovered the stolen items, and the suspects have been arraigned in court and remanded in custody.”
In a related development, he said: “In early December 2024, operatives from the Central Police Station Enugu arrested 35-year-old Chukwudi Chika for stealing a red Volkswagen Passat from a church premises in Coal Camp, Enugu.
“The stolen vehicle was recovered, and the suspect confessed to the crime and has since been arraigned in court and remanded.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, had assured residents of Enugu State of enhanced security measures throughout the festive season and beyond.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring public safety and security in Enugu State,” CP Uzuegbu said.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support law enforcement efforts to sustain peace in the state.
