The Enugu State Police Command has reported significant arrests in anticipation of the upcoming Christmas celebration in 2024 to ensure a secure and crime-free holiday season. The spokesperson of the command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, announced that during various operations, the police seized five firearms, two live cartridges, a stolen tricycle, and other incriminating items.
One of the arrests involved a suspect named Daniel Aniude, aged 29, who was apprehended on November 22, 2024, by police officers from the Abakpa Division in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group. Aniude and his group were caught red-handed robbing a woman, and an imitation pistol was recovered during the operation. Following investigations, Aniude was arraigned in court and remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Custodial Service.
Another suspect, Uzor David, aged 25, was arrested on November 12, 2024, by operatives from the Nkanu East Division with the assistance of Neighbourhood Watch members and vigilant citizens. David had shot a tricyclist in the hand using a locally made pistol, snatched the tricycle, and attempted to flee. However, security personnel intervened promptly, apprehended David, and recovered the tricycle and firearm. The injured tricyclist is receiving medical treatment, and David will face legal charges after the investigations.
Furthermore, on December 10, 2024, police operatives from the Emene Division, with the help of the Neighbourhood Watch, disrupted an armed robbery attempt at Upper Rehab, Emene, Enugu. The robbers escaped, leaving behind a locally made pistol and a spent cartridge, which were later retrieved. Additionally, a robbery attempt at College Road, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, on December 2, 2024, was thwarted by the Abakpa Division operatives, leading to the recovery of a locally made pistol and two live cartridges abandoned by the suspects.
Moreover, Enugu Metro Area Command operatives, acting on credible information on December 6, 2024, discovered a Beretta pistol concealed in a sack of cassava flakes (garri) at Abakpa Junction Bus Stop, Enugu. An undercover investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the culprits.
CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, the Commissioner of Police, commended the operatives involved in these operations and assured the public of the Command’s commitment to making Enugu State unsafe for criminals not only during the festive season but also beyond. He encouraged residents to be vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative in providing the police with valuable information and intelligence.