The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended three men suspected of being involved in armed robbery and cult-related activities across the state.
The arrests, which took place between August 18 and August 20, also led to the recovery of firearms, live cartridges, charms, and a stolen motorcycle.
Police spokesperson, Superintendent Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Tuesday night that the operation was part of the Command’s intensified crackdown on violent crimes.
He explained that investigators were still piecing together evidence, after which the suspects would be taken to court.
“Once we conclude our investigations, the suspects will face prosecution,” Ndukwe assured.
According to police records, 28-year-old Okafor Chukwuka was arrested on August 20 with a locally fabricated double-barreled gun.
He is believed to be connected to an armed robbery in Nara Unataeze, Nkanu East Local Government Area, where a motorcycle was snatched at gunpoint about two weeks earlier.
On August 18, two other suspects, identified as 45-year-old Emeka Odo and 35-year-old Ugochukwu Eze, were arrested for possessing stolen property and weapons.
Police said Odo admitted to robbing a motorcyclist and selling the stolen bike to Eze.
Among the exhibits recovered during the arrests were a motorcycle, locally made firearms, ammunition, and charms allegedly used by the suspects.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police, Mamman Giwa, commended the officers for their swift action and encouraged them to sustain the momentum in flushing out criminal gangs across Enugu.
“The Command remains committed to making Enugu safe for residents. We will not relent until unrepentant criminals are taken off the streets,” Giwa said.
He also appealed to residents to continue providing the police with credible intelligence that could help prevent crimes before they occur.