By Florencemary Nwabueze
The Enugu State Police Command has neutralised two criminal networks in the state with the arrest of fourteen suspects and the recovery of firearms and ammunition in two separate intelligence-led operations targeting cultism and violent crime.
According to the commands public relations officer SP Daniel Ndukwe in a statement on Wednesday, the operations carried out by the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), underscore the Command's sustained offensive against the rising tide of cult-related violence and armed robbery across the state.
In the first operation, on July 26, 2026, at approximately 12 noon, operatives acting on the confessional statement of Nwodo Peters Chinweokwu, alias "Sir-P" or "Biggy," a 25-year-old male suspect, successfully recovered a locally fabricated single-barrel pistol hidden in a bush in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.
Chinweokwu had been arrested earlier alongside seven other suspects during a joint operation with the Isi-Uzo Police Division. Those arrested include Nnaji Emmanuel, 34; Iroegbu Joshua, 18; Nwafor Miracle, 28; Ogbonna Moses Osinachi, 19; Oha Chidiebere Francis, 24; Udebuani Chukwuma, 30; and Elochukwu Oko, alias "Benson,"
In a separate operation earlier that same day, at about 2:00 a.m., operatives of the same Sub-Unit, acting on intelligence from Izuchukwu Obieze, alias "Small," a 24-year-old suspect under investigation for conspiracy and cultism, carried out a follow-up operation in Ezeagu LGA.
The early morning raid led to the arrest of five other male suspects: Oscar Ebuka, 37; Eze Chimaobi Godson, alias "Torpedo," 36; Ukeje Kingsley, 37; Tochukwu Chilo, alias "Boss Me," 26; and Nnamezie Amechi, alias "Obodobuigwe," 46. Police also recovered one pump-action gun loaded with three live cartridges during the operation.
Police authorities have confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing, with all suspects making useful statements that could lead to further breakthroughs. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend other accomplices currently at large and recover additional exhibits.
Police said that all fourteen suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for the successful operations and reaffirmed the Command's unwavering commitment to combating cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the State.
CP Giwa urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information to assist in the fight against criminality.
"The Command will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of all forms of criminal activities, particularly cultism, which has become a threat to the peace and security of our communities," the statement read.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command's emergency lines.