Enugu Police Break Up Armed Robbery and Fraud Syndicate, Nab Eight
The Enugu State Police Command has made significant strides in combating crime by dismantling a criminal syndicate responsible for interstate armed robberies and financial fraud. Following weeks of coordinated efforts, a joint operation involving the Emene Division, Crack and Octopus Tactical Squads, alongside the Neighbourhood Watch Group, led to the arrest of eight male suspects and the recovery of a range of stolen items, including firearms, cash, and other incriminating exhibits.
Among those apprehended is 28-year-old Sadik Ahmed, a dismissed soldier, along with his accomplices: Ismaila Isah (23), Abbas Usman (33), Mubarak Garba (24), Abubakar Haruna (23), Abubakar Sani (32), Obiri Chukwuebuka (22), and Bright Omeniru (22). The police report indicates that operatives recovered two locally made pistols—one loaded—and a cash sum of ₦300,450, along with ten laptops, land documents, mobile phones, jewellery, and other personal items during the operation.
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The series of arrests unfolded on November 12, 2024, when police responded to a distress call about an armed robbery at an estate in Emene, around 3:30 a.m. Ismaila Isah was apprehended at the scene, in possession of one of the pistols and the cash. Following his confession, he was transferred to the Crack Tactical Squad for deeper investigation.
Authorities acted quickly based on Isah’s statements, leading to the arrest of five more suspects in their hideouts in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu. Additionally, operatives from the Octopus Tactical Squad successfully apprehended Chukwuebuka and Omeniru in Owerri, Imo State, where they allegedly utilized stolen phones to fraudulently withdraw funds from victims’ bank accounts.
Investigations revealed that the suspects not only engaged in multiple armed robberies across the Enugu metropolis but also used victims’ SIM cards to commit fraudulent activities. The dismissed soldier, Sadik Ahmed, reportedly exploited his previous role in security services to evade checkpoints during the transport of stolen goods.
The police have pledged to continue their crackdown on criminal activity, especially with the festive season approaching. The suspects are set to be arraigned in court following the conclusion of the investigations.
CP Kanayo Uzuegbu of the Enugu State Police commended the operatives for their swift action and urged them to maintain focus on reducing crime in the region.
DSP Daniel Ndukwe,
Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State.
