The Enugu State Police Command has arrested eight suspects and recovered eight stolen vehicles in a string of coordinated operations across the state between August 8 and 21, 2025.

Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the breakthrough in a late-night statement on Friday, stressing that all suspects will be charged in court once investigations are concluded. He added that the Command is intensifying efforts to track down fleeing gang members and recover more exhibits.

How the Arrests Unfolded

On August 21, at about 9:30 a.m., operatives of the Command’s SWAT arrested Eze Obinna (44), Jideofor Igwumba (35), and Martina Okwor Ada (49). A Toyota Kluger SUV, stolen on July 21 from Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, and refurbished for resale in Awka, Anambra State, was recovered.

Two days earlier, on August 19, operatives from the Ozalla Division intercepted a criminal gang along the Udi/Ozalla Road. One suspect, Somadina Udeh (26), was arrested while others fled. Their Toyota Hiace bus with Delta registration number ASB 108 YF was seized, while another stolen Hiace bus abandoned at Amokwe, Udi LGA, was also recovered. Udeh later confessed that his gang regularly infiltrated Enugu from Anambra to raid shops and steal vehicles.

On August 12, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested Chigozie Ebisike (42) in Ogui, Enugu, after tracking him through the state’s Command-and-Control Centre. A blue Toyota Corolla was seized from him, which had been used to snatch a Toyota Camry in Independence Layout earlier that month. His confession led to the recovery of two more stolen vehicles: a gold Toyota Sienna (BDG 935 GP) and a black Lexus 350 (UWN 762 AH), along with keys, number plates, and registration papers.

The clampdown began on August 8, when the Crack Tactical Squad arrested Nwafor Chinenye (35), Chidera Ezeoha (32), and Ekete Joseph (41) for an armed robbery at Amokpu-Nike, Enugu East LGA. A stolen Carter Tec Super motorcycle and a Samsung Galaxy S8 phone were recovered, alongside another stolen motorcycle they had put up for sale at Ogbeke-Nike. The suspects have since been arraigned and remanded in prison custody.

Commissioner Reacts

Commending the operatives, Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, described the arrests as “a clear message to criminal elements that Enugu will not be a safe haven for crime.”

He urged residents to stay vigilant and partner with the police by reporting suspicious activities.
“We are determined to sustain this tempo until every criminal network is dismantled. Law-abiding citizens should remain confident that their safety is our top priority,” he said.