ENUGU, Nigeria (BN24) — The Enugu State Police Command has made significant strides in tackling violent crime, announcing the arrest of 13 male suspects linked to armed robbery, conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and cult activities. These arrests, part of a series of tactical and intelligence-driven operations, also led to the recovery of several firearms, stolen vehicles, and other incriminating items.
In a statement issued by SP Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson for the Enugu Police, the operations began on July 30, 2025. Acting on the confessions of one suspect, Ekene Akpata, also known as Odumodu, a 35-year-old man under investigation for armed robbery and cultism, police raided the town of Oyofo-Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area (LGA). This operation led to the capture of three additional suspects — Ebuka Odinko (35), Chiemerie Amano (25), and Onyebuchi Onyekwere (24). According to Ndukwe, initial investigations suggest that these suspects are members of a cult group involved in multiple armed robbery incidents where they forcibly took valuables from local residents.
A subsequent operation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, between July 23 and 28, 2025, led to the arrest of two more suspects, Udofia Richard (43) and Richard Arinzechukwu Nwaomu (32). Based on the confessions of two other suspects, Okechukwu Ogbonna (65) and Ezeonuji Charles (52), who are under investigation for conspiracy and armed robbery, police forces in Port Harcourt tracked down the suspects. During this operation, officers seized two stolen vehicles — a red Toyota Camry XLE and an ash-colored Kia Soul.
Further highlighting the coordinated efforts of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, a previous operation on July 21, 2025, in Umuasi Ngwo, Udi LGA, led to the arrest of three men: Stephen Chidiebere, also known as Shaggy (42); Arinze Udeh, aka Anonymous (30); and Onuigbo Kingsley (49). Police recovered a cut-to-size double-barreled gun, and their arrest followed the earlier detention of Ikemefuna Ani, also known as Majority (31), who was captured for his involvement in conspiracy, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and cultism. Preliminary investigations have linked this group to the notorious Black Axe Confraternity, a cult group known for its violent activities.
In an unrelated incident on July 15, 2025, police operatives from the Ogui Division arrested a 30-year-old armed robbery suspect, Ifeanyi Ede, during a joint operation with the Neighbourhood Watch Group. The arrest came after Ede and an accomplice used a fake gun — later identified as a Spark-L electronic gas lighter — to rob a taxi driver in Enugu. The robbers took ₦30,000 in cash, the driver’s car key, a mobile phone worth ₦17,000, and the victim’s bank ATM card. Ede was arrested shortly after the incident, and the stolen phone was recovered. His accomplice, however, managed to flee, and efforts are underway to apprehend him.
SP Ndukwe emphasized that all suspects are currently under active investigation, and the police are intensifying efforts to capture those still at large. Once investigations are completed, the cases will be taken to court for prosecution.
