Police operatives in Enugu State have killed a suspected armed robbery kingpin and arrested four other suspects in a major security operation targeting criminal gangs operating around border communities in the state.

The operation, carried out under the police “Handshake Patrol” initiative aimed at tightening security along interstate borders, also led to the recovery of firearms, suspected hard drugs and other incriminating items.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the biggest breakthrough came on June 28 when operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, foiled an attempted robbery attack along the Enugu–Abakaliki Road.

According to him, the armed gang had barricaded part of the road and was preparing to attack commuters when security operatives swooped on them, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

During the shootout, the gang leader, identified as Ifesinachi Kenneth, was shot and arrested, while other members escaped.

Ndukwe said the suspect later made useful confessional statements that led to the arrest of another suspect, Izuchukwu Nwanga, who allegedly kept proceeds from the gang’s operations. Kenneth, however, died while receiving treatment.

In another operation on the same day, police operatives acting on intelligence stormed a criminal hideout at Umumba Ndiagu community and arrested two suspects, Uwah Ifesinachi Sunday, 23, and Chinonso Okafor Paul, 25.

Items recovered from them included a locally made pistol, a knife, scissors and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

Also, operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad intercepted a commercial tricycle during a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and recovered a cut-to-size gun from one Ifediri Nwobu, 21.

The suspect reportedly attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby river but was eventually arrested.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, praised officers involved in the operations, insisting the command would sustain its offensive against violent criminals and strengthen security across border communities in the state. (Daily Sun)