The Enugu State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cultism, drug trafficking and other violent crimes, arresting 20 suspects and recovering hard drugs, 22 motorcycles, a tricycle, weapons and other incriminating exhibits in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
The operations, carried out between July 7 and 14, targeted criminal hideouts and suspected cult groups in Enugu North and Udenu Local Government Areas.
Police spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the latest successes underscored the command’s commitment to tackling cult-related violence, illicit drug trade and other criminal activities.
According to him, one of the major operations was conducted on July 14 at Banana Estate, Independence Layout, Enugu, following credible intelligence that suspected cultists operating with motorcycles and a tricycle were terrorising residents, robbing members of the public, vandalising property and dealing in hard drugs.
“The operation led to the arrest of Ogbodo Chebe, 40, a suspected member of the Abashie Confraternity and alleged youth leader, and Oguma Onyebuchi, 27.
“Quantities of substances suspected to be ‘Colos’ were recovered from them, while other suspects fled the scene, abandoning eight motorcycles of different brands and one tricycle, all of which were recovered,” Ndukwe said.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) had earlier, on July 7, raided criminal hideouts and blackspots in Emene and Eke Obinagu, leading to the arrest of six suspects.
He identified them as Mba James Chinonso, 35; Ani Nonso, 31; Ike Nnana, 27; Chiagozie Nnamani Isaac, 19; Ede Onyenaturuchi, 21; and Ozoemena Michael, 28.
Ndukwe said the operatives recovered large quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, methamphetamine, popularly known as “Mkpụrụ-mmiri,” and wraps of suspected cocaine.
He added that the raid disrupted criminal activities in the affected areas.
In another operation carried out the same day, police operatives stormed Owerre Eze-Oba community in Udenu Local Government Area and foiled what they described as a public celebration marking the alleged “7/7 anniversary” of the Black Axe (Aye) Confraternity.
The operation led to the arrest of 12 suspects identified as Obinna Odo, Kenechi Odo, Mba Ikenna, Ugwuoke Peter, Odo Ejike, Ugwuanyi Chinedu, Chinaza Kingsley, Ebubechukwu Stanley, Eze Chigekwu, Arua Ekene, Eze Ikenna and Odo Jude.
According to the police, one axe, a set of drum instruments and 14 motorcycles were recovered during the operation.
Ndukwe said investigations were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects, uncover the full scope of the alleged criminal activities and recover additional exhibits.
“The arrested suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he added.
Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-driven policing across the state.
“The command remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven policing against cultism, illicit drug trafficking and other violent crimes,” the commissioner said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance public safety and security across Enugu State.
