Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch personnel, says it has successfully dismantled an armed robbery and mini-truck snatching syndicate operating in parts of the state.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said that the operation took place on May 11, 2025, around 3:00 p.m.
According to him, during the operation the operatives arrested one suspect, rescued a kidnapped victim, and recovered a stolen mini-truck.
Ndukwe in the statement said the swift response by officers attached to the Ozalla Police Division followed a report of a truck hijacking incident.
“The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Chinedu Onwuka, was apprehended while his accomplices managed to escape.
“The suspects had reportedly hired the victim, a mini-truck driver, under the pretense of transporting bags of sand from Ogbete, Enugu to Umuatuaboma in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
“However, during the journey, they diverted the vehicle along the Umuatuaboma–Obuofia road, held the driver at gunpoint, and tied him to a tree in a nearby bush before fleeing with the vehicle — a Daihatsu Hijet, locally known as “Diana.”
“Thanks to the rapid intervention by the police and Neighbourhood Watch, the victim was rescued unharmed, and the vehicle was recovered,” Ndukwe said.
He added that during interrogation, Onwuka confessed to the crime and further admitted to being involved in a similar operation the previous month.
He disclosed receiving ninety thousand naira (₦90,000) as his share from the sale of another stolen mini-truck.
The spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa had commended the operatives for their swift action and reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating violent crime in the state.
The CP also advised mini-truck and commercial truck operators to be cautious about the transport jobs they accept and to thoroughly verify their clients and destinations.
Ndukwe said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
