The Enugu State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on violent crime, recovering a fully loaded AK-47 magazine after a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers and apprehending a notorious serial armed robber in a separate sting operation.
The breakthroughs are part of a sustained, proactive anti-crime campaign designed to flush out criminal elements across the state, authorities announced on Monday.
The first incident unfolded on May 1, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the Enugu East Local Government Area. Police operatives attached to the Unity Division, working alongside local Forest Guards, were conducting a crime-prevention bush-combing operation when they intercepted a gang of armed kidnappers.
The encounter quickly escalated into a heavy shootout as the suspects opened fire on the joint security team.
According to State Police Public Relations Officer SP Daniel Ndukwe, the security forces overpowered the gang with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to retreat deeper into the forest.
“The suspects engaged the joint security team in a gun duel but fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds due to the operatives’ superior firepower,” Ndukwe stated. “One AK-47 magazine loaded with thirty rounds of live ammunition and one winter cap were recovered at the scene.”
Police authorities confirmed that manhunt operations have been heavily intensified to track down and arrest the wounded fugitives.
In a separate breakthrough on April 28, 2026, at about 9:20 a.m., operatives from the Central Police Station (CPS) acted on a tip-off to neutralise a robbery threat at the bustling Ogbete Main Market. Acting on credible and timely intelligence, officers moved into the Mgbemena/Akwata Sub-Market area, where they successfully cornered and arrested 27-year-old Odume Junior, a suspected serial armed robber who had been terrorising local traders and residents.
At the time of his arrest, police recovered a locally made cut-to-size gun loaded with one live cartridge from the suspect. Officers also found drug paraphernalia used for consuming methamphetamine, an illicit substance locally known as “Mkpụrụ Mmịrị.”
“Investigation is ongoing to arrest his fleeing accomplices, after which he will be arraigned in court,” Ndukwe added, noting that the suspect remains in custody while yielding useful information to investigators.
Reacting to the successful operations, Enugu State Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa highly commended the bravery and professionalism of both the police operatives and the collaborating Forest Guards.
Commissioner Giwa reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive, proactive policing to ensure that Enugu State remains unsafe for criminals. He further called on members of the public to partner with law enforcement by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious movements.
“I urge residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue providing credible and timely information to the Police and other security agencies to enhance public safety and security across the state,” Commissioner Giwa said.
