The Enugu state police command has arrested three criminal suspects during a raid in their hideout.
The command also recovered eight pump-action guns, ammunition, and other incriminating exhibits.
A statement by the command’s spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe said the suspects were arrested on Friday, January 19, 2024.
According to the statement issued on Saturday night, the Ndukwe said that police personnel of the Enugu Area Command carried out the raid after receiving credible information from the Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA).
The statement said the police personnel raided a criminal hideout in the Centenary City area of Obeagu-Awkunanaw community in the Enugu South Local Government Area on Friday.
“The operational exercise led to the arrest of three male suspects, namely: Emmanuel Nwabundo aged 39, from Abia State, Emmanuel Eze aged 35, and Anthony Onoche George aged 30, both from Anambra State, while others escaped.
“Eight (8) pump action guns with four (4) live and twenty-six (26) expended cartridges were recovered. Other exhibits recovered include one (1) machete, four (4) units of solar-powered CCTV cameras, thirteen (13) assorted phones, one (1) DVD player, and four (4) bags and clothes, all suspected to be stolen. Also recovered are objects suspected to be charms,” the statement said.
The command said that a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects and their gangs now at large “have been using the location as a hideout for the design and consequent perfection of their criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, among other crimes, within Enugu metropolis and environs”.
He said that the suspects would be arraigned in court after investigations had been concluded.
The police spokesman said that the police commissioner, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, had hailed the operatives for the operational success and “reaffirmed the avowed commitment of the Command to be more proactive and forward-looking in its quest to rid Enugu State of unrepentant criminals and their unwholesome activities”.
The CP he said had appealed to residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and continue to avail the police of credible and actionable security information.
He urged them to report criminals and their activities to the police station near them.
“They can also make such reports by calling 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202, or 08098880172, or by sending emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com,” he said.