By our Reporter
The Enugu State Police Command has recorded major successes in its ongoing border security operations under the Inspector-General of Police’s “Handshake Patrol” initiative, foiling an attempted armed robbery, neutralising a suspected gang leader, arresting four other suspects, and recovering firearms, suspected illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits.
The Command disclosed that the operations, conducted at different border communities across the state, were aimed at strengthening security along Enugu’s boundaries and combating violent crimes through intelligence-led policing.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, working alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch, on June 28, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Enugu–Abakaliki Road.
The police said the suspected robbers had blocked a section of the highway in an attempt to rob commuters before the security team confronted them. The gang reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun battle during which its alleged leader, Ifesinachi Kenneth, sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while other members escaped.
Investigators said Kenneth’s confessional statement led to the arrest of another suspect, Izuchukwu Nwanga, who was allegedly responsible for keeping the gang’s proceeds of crime. Kenneth was rushed to a medical facility for treatment but was later confirmed dead.
In a separate operation carried out later the same day at about 5:30 p.m., operatives attached to the Umumba Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, bordering Anambra State.
The raid led to the arrest of Uwah Ifesinachi Sunday, 23, and Chinonso Okafor Paul, 25. Recovered from the suspects were a locally fabricated pistol, a knife, a pair of scissors and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
In another operation at about 10:00 a.m. on the same day, operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad conducting stop-and-search duties along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway at Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area intercepted a commercial tricycle conveying passengers.
A search of the occupants led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size firearm allegedly belonging to Ifediri Nwobu, 21. The suspect reportedly attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby river but was pursued and arrested by the operatives.
The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal groups linked to the incidents, adding that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch for their professionalism and bravery, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa , reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening border security and tackling violent crime through intelligence-led policing.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support efforts at ridding the state of criminal elements.
