The Enugu Police Command has arrested 13 suspects involved in armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and cult-related activities in a string of coordinated operations across the state and beyond.

The arrests, carried out by the Command?s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad and other operatives, led to the recovery of firearms, stolen vehicles, and other incriminating items.

According to a statement by the Command?s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, one of the operations took place on July 30, 2025, around 3:40 a.m. in Oyofo-Oghe, Ezeagu LGA, where the police acting on the confession of a suspect already in custody?35-year-old Ekene Akpata, alias Odumodu, arrested three more men: Ebuka Odinko (35), Chiemerie Amano (25), and Onyebuchi Onyekwere (24).

The police said all four were suspected members of the Viking Confraternity and have been linked to multiple armed robbery incidents.

In another major operation, operatives acting on intelligence from two suspects in custody?Okechukwu Ogbonna (65) and Ezeonuji Charles (52)?conducted a tactical raid in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, between July 23 and 28. The operation led to the arrest of Udofia Richard (43) and Richard Arinzechukwu Nwaomu (32), with two suspected stolen vehicles recovered: a red Toyota Camry XLE (YEN 221 AG) and an ash Kia Soul (PHC 845 AE).

Also on July 21, three suspects?Stephen Chidiebere (42), alias Shaggy; Arinze Udeh (30), alias Anonymous; and Onuigbo Kingsley (49)?were arrested in Umuasi Ngwo, Udi LGA. Their arrests followed the earlier apprehension of Ikemefuna Ani (31), alias Majority. Investigations suggest all four are linked to the Black Axe Confraternity. A cut-to-size double-barrel shotgun was recovered during the operation.

In a separate incident on July 15, operatives attached to Ogui Division, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, arrested Ifeanyi Ede (30), shortly after he and an accomplice used a fake pistol?later discovered to be a Spark-L electronic gas lighter?to rob a taxi driver of N30,000, a mobile phone worth N17,000, vehicle keys, and ATM card. Ede was arrested with the stolen phone, while his accomplice escaped.

Ndukwe disclosed that all suspects would still in custody as investigations continued, with efforts ongoing to track down remaining accomplices.

He added that all cases would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the officers for their commitment and effectiveness, urging them to sustain the momentum. He reaffirmed the Command?s resolve to flush out criminal elements and safeguard residents.

He also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through the Command?s hotlines: 08032003702, 08086671202, or 112 (Command-and-Control Centre). (The Nation)

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