Police Foil Attempted Robbery, Arrest Four in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command says it has foiled an attempted armed robbery, arrested four suspects and recovered firearms, suspected illicit drugs and other exhibits during a series of operations conducted under the Inspector-General of Police's Handshake Patrol initiative.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, the Command said the coordinated operations were carried out at strategic border communities across the state as part of efforts to strengthen border security and combat violent crime.

According to the statement, operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, on June 28 foiled an attempted armed robbery along the Enugu–Abakaliki Road, where a suspected gang had allegedly barricaded a section of the highway to rob commuters. 

The statement said the operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel, during which the alleged gang leader, Ifesinachi Kenneth, sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while other members of the group escaped.

It added that information obtained from the suspect led to the arrest of Izuchukwu Nwanga, who allegedly kept the gang's proceeds of crime. It further stated that Kenneth was taken to hospital for treatment but was later confirmed dead.

According to the statement, operatives of the Umumba Division, acting on credible intelligence, later raided a suspected criminal hideout at Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, bordering Anambra State. 

The statement said the operation led to the arrest of Uwah Ifesinachi Sunday, 23, and Chinonso Okafor Paul, 25, while a locally fabricated pistol, a knife, a pair of scissors and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered.

It further disclosed that operatives of the Command's Distress Response Squad arrested Ifediri Nwobu, 21, during a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway at Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area. 

According to the statement, a locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspect, who allegedly attempted to evade arrest by fleeing and jumping into a nearby river before he was apprehended.

The statement said investigations are ongoing to arrest other suspects linked to the cases, adding that those apprehended will be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, as commending the courage, professionalism and collaboration of the police operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch involved in the operations. 

He reaffirmed the Command's commitment to strengthening border security and combating violent crime through intelligence-led policing, while urging residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and supportive of efforts to rid Enugu State of criminal elements.

Tags:#EnuguPolice#HandshakePatrol#BorderSecurity