By Deborah Nnamdi
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two suspects and recovered four locally fabricated firearms, an imitation pistol, a live cartridge, and other incriminating exhibits in a series of recent operations across the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu. He said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on crime and criminality within the state.
According to him, on September 6, at about 4:00 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, working alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Ameke-Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area, acting on credible intelligence.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled, abandoning a bag. A search of the bag led to the recovery of two locally fabricated firearms – a triple-barrelled pistol and a single-barrelled pistol,” he stated.
In a separate incident on September 5, around 11:00 p.m., operatives of Abakpa Police Division, while on night patrol, arrested one Peter Kalu, 26, of Enugu, for causing public disturbance. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of a locally made imitation pistol.
Similarly, on September 3, at about 11:00 p.m., personnel of the Umabor Police Division, working with local vigilantes, rescued a suspect, identified as Ugwu Collins, 23, from an angry mob. Collins was allegedly found in unlawful possession of a firearm and accused of violently threatening a male victim.
“One locally fabricated double-barrelled pistol loaded with a live cartridge was recovered from him. The suspect further confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity,” Ndukwe disclosed.
He added that investigations into the cases are ongoing, noting that the suspects would be charged in court upon conclusion of inquiries.
