By Florencemary Nwabueze
The Enugu State Police Command has delivered a significant blow to criminal networks across the state, arresting 20 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations targeting cultism, drug trafficking, and violent crime between July 7 and 14, 2026.
In a raid on July 14, police operatives stormed Banana Estate in Independence Layout following credible intelligence about cultists terrorizing residents. The suspects, operating with motorcycles and a tricycle, were reportedly robbing unsuspecting members of the public, vandalizing property, and peddling hard drugs in the upscale neighborhood.
Two male suspects were apprehended during the operation: 40-year-old Ogbodo Chebe, identified as a member of the Abashie Confraternity and alleged youth leader, and 27-year-old Oguma Onyebuchi. Quantities of substances suspected to be 'colos' were recovered from them, while other suspects abandoned eight motorcycles of different brands and one tricycle as they fled the scene.
The crackdown extended to Emene and Eke Obinagu areas of Enugu on July 7, where operatives raided identified criminal hideouts and blackspots at approximately 8:00 a.m. Six suspects were arrested: Mba James Chinonso (35), Ani Nonso (31), Ike Nnana (27), Chiagozie Nnamani Isaac (19), Ede Onyenaturuchi (21), and Ozoemena Michael (28). Police recovered large quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, methamphetamine (locally known as "Mkpụrụ-mmiri"), and wraps of suspected cocaine from the suspects, effectively disrupting criminal activities in those areas.
In a separate operation on the same day, police acted on credible intelligence to disrupt what appeared to be a public celebration of the alleged 7/7 anniversary of the Black Axe (Aye) Confraternity at Owerre Eze-Oba community in Udenu Local Government Area. The gathering had reportedly caused panic among residents. Twelve male suspects were arrested, and exhibits recovered included one axe, a set of drum instruments, and fourteen motorcycles.
The arrested individuals from the Owerre Eze-Oba operation include Obinna Odo (22), Kenechi Odo (39), Mba Ikenna (37), Ugwuoke Peter (27), Odo Ejike (35), Ugwuanyi Chinedu (28), Chinaza Kingsley (20), Ebubechukwu Stanley (21), Eze Chigekwu (26), Arua Ekene (21), Eze Ikenna (38), and Odo Jude (34).
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their successful operations and reaffirmed the Command's unwavering commitment to intelligence-driven policing against cultism, illicit drug trafficking, and other violent crimes.
"We will not relent in our efforts to rid Enugu State of criminal elements. These operations demonstrate our resolve to protect the lives and property of all residents." CP Giwa stated
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects, establish the full extent of the criminal activities of those arrested, and recover additional exhibits where necessary. All arrested suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner further urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police to enhance public safety and security across Enugu State.