Police Bust Robbery Syndicate, Arrest One, Recover Weapons

The Enugu State Police Command of the Nigerian Police Force says it has busted an armed robbery gang and arrested one suspect identified as Chinenye Nwadike aged 32.

A statement by the Command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, on Sunday, said that five firearms and 374 live ammunition were recovered from the suspect.

According to the statement, the suspect was arrested on Friday night by operatives of the command serving in Octopus Squad ‘B’ when they conducted an intelligence-guided sting operation at Diamond Estate axis of Onitsha Road Enugu.

Ndukwe said that the criminal gang had been known to perpetrate heinous crimes within Enugu metropolis and environ under the nebulous name of ‘Unknown Gunmen’.

The suspect, according to the statement, was a native of Mbaitoli in Imo State, but resident at Ndiagha, Amechi-Uwani Enugu, adding that other gang members escaped with bullet wounds during the operation.

“The team recovered a yellow-coloured tricycle the suspects were operating in, which was earlier reported snatched by the gang at gunpoint in the evening hours of the same date, at Eke-Otu Amechi-Awkunanaw Enugu.

“Other exhibits recovered include: two assault rifles, one English-made and one locally-fabricated Pump Action guns each, one double-barreled gun, 349 live ammunition of 7.62mm calibre, 25 live cartridges, one Monday (sledge) hammer, one battle axe head, four machetes, two bottles of six followers perfume and objects suspected to be charms,” the statement partly read.

While the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ammani, commended the operatives for acting on the crime prevention measures of the Command towards the actualisation of the operational breakthrough, the PPRO said the CP also charged them to remain steadfast, resolute and ensure that the fleeing members of the gang are fished out.

“The CP enjoins citizens of the State to remain law-abiding, vigilant and continue to assist the Command with credible information and/or intelligence required to clamp down unrepentant criminals in the State.

“Such information/intelligence can be supplied at the nearest Police Station; or by calling the Command’s emergency hotlines on: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08098880172 or 08086671202; or by alternatively sending emails to [email protected],” Ndukwe stated.