The Enugu State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing clampdown on cultism, illegal possession of firearms, and armed robbery. Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, operatives of the Command arrested seven male suspects and recovered seven firearms, one expended cartridge, two live cartridges, and several other incriminating items during multiple operations carried out in June 2025.
On June 21, 2025, at about midday, operatives attached to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad stormed 9th Mile area and apprehended Yusuf John (25), in possession of a cut-to-size double-barrelled gun and one expended cartridge. His arrest came on the heels of confessional statements from three earlier-arrested suspects: Ebube Victor (22), Kenechukwu Chiegwu (23), and Tochukwu Kingsley Nwodo (26), who identified themselves as members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and admitted to using the firearm in the commission of various crimes.
Similarly, on June 17, 2025, the same tactical unit apprehended Ugwualor Obumneke (22), following revelations made by Onah Uchenna (36), who had been previously arrested in connection with armed robbery and cult-related activities. Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of one locally made Beretta-like pistol, two double-barrelled and one single-barrelled pistol, a chamber of an English-made double-barrelled gun, and a complete set of gunsmith tools. The suspects, confirmed members of the Black Axe Confraternity, admitted to criminal use of the firearms. Onah Uchenna further confessed to being the owner of the tools and specialised in the repair and maintenance of firearms.
In a separate operation carried out between June 15 and 20, 2025, a joint team comprising operatives from the SWAT and Octopus Tactical Squads raided several identified criminal black spots across Nkanu West and Enugu North Local Government Areas. During the operations, Iloh Chukwunonso (39) was arrested and found in possession of a locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol. Additionally, a cut-to-size gun and two live cartridges, abandoned by fleeing suspects, were recovered at the scene.
All suspects are undergoing further investigation and will be charged to court upon its conclusion.
Commissioner CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa commended the officers for their dedication and swift action. He encouraged them to remain relentless in their efforts to ensure that Enugu State becomes increasingly hostile to criminal elements. The CP reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to crime prevention and public safety, while also calling on residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to continue cooperating with the Police by providing actionable intelligence and credible information.
Signed,
SP Daniel Ndukwe
Police Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Command
State Headquarters, GRA, Enugu
June 21, 2025