Police arrest suspect, recover firearm in border security operation in Enugu

By Florencemary Nwabueze

The Enugu State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing border security operations, arresting a 25-year-old suspect and recovering a locally made firearm along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

The suspect, identified as Ogbonna Nnaji, was apprehended in early July 2026 by operatives of the Command's Distress Response Squad (DRS) during a stop-and-search operation at Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area. The operation took place near the Enugu-Anambra state boundary, where officers discovered a concealed locally made double-barrel pistol in the suspect's possession.

According to preliminary investigations, Nnaji had boarded a commuter Toyota Sienna minivan at Solution Park in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, and was traveling to Enugu when he was intercepted by the vigilant operatives.

The arrest comes just four days after the same DRS team achieved a similar success on June 28, 2026, when they intercepted another suspect traveling in a tricycle and recovered a firearm during a border security operation. The successive recoveries highlight the Command's dedication to proactive policing and intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing the movement of illegal firearms into Enugu State.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Command's commitment to maintaining robust border security operations and called on residents to remain security conscious while providing credible and timely information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state.

Further investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the weapon and establish the suspect's possible involvement in other criminal activities. Nnaji will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The operation forms part of the Nigeria Police Force's Handshake Patrol initiative, which aims to strengthen border security and curb the movement of illegal weapons across state lines.