Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested 15 suspects during a raid on identified criminal hotspots at Four Corners, Ozalla, in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the operation, carried out by officers attached to the Crack Tactical Squad in the early hours of February 16, 2026, followed credible intelligence.

According to him, the suspects comprised nine males and six females. Police recovered two polythene bags containing dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. A subsequent search of the area also led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol loaded with one live cartridge.

Ndukwe said the suspects were undergoing screening, adding that those found not culpable would be released, while those indicted would be investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police,in the State, Mr. Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed supervisory officers to sustain the Command’s proactive crime-fighting strategy through the identification and dismantling of criminal hideouts, as well as the arrest and prosecution of offenders.

He also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.

The Enugu State Police Command has recovered a cut-to-size single-barrelled gun from a male suspect who fled a public gathering in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesman, Mr. Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the firearm was recovered by operatives of the Igbo-Eze South Police Division on December 26.

According to SP Ndukwe, the operatives were conducting routine security surveillance around the Jimoh Rauf Badamosi (JRB) Mini Stadium in Ibagwa-Aka when they observed the suspect carrying a black polythene bag in a suspicious manner.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspect abandoned the bag and fled the scene before he could be apprehended. A search of the abandoned bag led to the discovery of the firearm concealed inside,” the statement said.

Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspect, as well as determine his criminal intentions.

Mr. Ndukwe added that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, has urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The police in Enugu State have arrested six suspects over their alleged involvement in the forceful initiation of victims into a secret cult group, recovering a firearm and other weapons during the operation.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the police spokesperson in the state, Daniel Ndukwe.

Mr Ndukwe said operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad acted on credible intelligence on December 5, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

According to him, the alleged initiation exercise took place on November 25 in a forest at Ugwu Peak, Iva Valley, within Enugu North Local Government Area.

Items recovered from the suspects include a locally made double-barrelled pistol, four cutlasses and two empty bottles of Squadron rum, which police said were used during the initiation.

The suspects were identified as Edeh Francis Chigbo, also known as Saint (22); Ogbu Fabulous, alias Nwakanwa (23); Odom Chiemerie, alias Coded (28); Nweke Anayo, alias Chaplet (22); Obumneme Obiechina, alias Biggy (30); and Chigozie Ugbene, alias God Bless (20).

Mr Ndukwe said the suspects confessed to being members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and admitted their involvement in the alleged crime.

He added that they would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has reiterated the command’s resolve to clamp down on cultism and other criminal activities, especially during the yuletide period.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to cooperate with the police by promptly reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities.

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command say they have arrested five suspected members of an armed robbery and one-chance syndicate operating across parts of the state, recovering an imitation gun, four stolen tricycles, and other items in the process.

The suspects identified as Ikechukwu Patrick, 19; Odoh David, 21; Izuchukwu Ogbodo, 37; Charles Ekenechukwu Egwuatu, 39; and Justina Dike, 37 were arrested between 22 November and 1 December in a series of coordinated operations by the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this on Thursday, in a statement shared on the command’s official Whatsapp platform, and attached with pictures of the stolen items.

He said the arrests followed actionable intelligence and assistance from the Neighbourhood Watch Group.

Ndukwe said Messrs Patrick and Odoh were first apprehended on 22 November, with an imitation pistol and scissors blade recovered from them.

According to him, the duo reportedly confessed to belonging to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and admitted that the items were intended for armed robbery.

Their disclosure, according to the police, led to the arrest of Mr Ogbodo, from whom six master keys and five MTN SIM cards were recovered.

“The investigation deepened after Mr Odoh allegedly confessed to stealing tricycles in different parts of Awkunanaw using the master keys and participating in a one-chance syndicate that targeted unsuspecting commuters.

“His statement facilitated the arrest of Ms Dike and Mr Egwuatu. Ms Dike reportedly confessed to participating in one-chance operations and dealing in hard drugs at New Garriki, where she allegedly received stolen items, including tricycles, in exchange for narcotics.

The police said four BAJAJ RE tricycles were recovered during follow-up operations. Two of the vehicles carried registration numbers JRV 461 WZ and ENU 018 VG, while the others bore no identifiable plates.

Mr Ndukwe said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has commended the operatives for what he described as diligent work.

He directed them to ensure the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional exhibits.

Mr Giwa also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as the festive season approaches, assuring that the command remained committed to maintaining public safety across Enugu State.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu invoked the prerogative of mercy to release hundreds of inmates including those sentenced to death for murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking and kidnapping the reactions were swift and fierce. To some, it was an act of compassion. To many others, it was a reckless political gesture that could dent Nigeria’s global image, weaken the rule of law, and unsettle an already fragile security climate.

The idea of mercy is noble. Every civilized society must make room for forgiveness. But mercy loses its meaning when applied without discernment. Releasing convicted killers and kidnappers, in a country still haunted by the trauma of violent crimes, sends the wrong message which is that justice can be swept aside by the stroke of a presidential pen.

Foreign investors are watching. Nigeria has spent years battling a reputation for instability and insecurity. It is difficult enough to convince investors that their capital and staff will be safe here. Now, the optics of setting free those convicted of the very crimes scaring investors away makes the job even harder. The signal to the global community is muddled: how serious is Nigeria about enforcing its own laws and protecting lives? In the realm of foreign direct investment (FDI), perception is everything. Investors crave predictability not mercy that undermines justice.

Beyond international optics, this decision risks eroding public trust in the justice system. Victims’ families, who endured years of painful trials to see justice served, must now feel betrayed. In a society where the poor often believe the rich can buy their way out of anything, this act reinforces the cynicism that punishment is negotiable, and justice, optional.

The prerogative of mercy, by constitutional design, is meant for exceptional circumstances. It is not a tool for political grandstanding or mass amnesty. It should be applied sparingly and should be based on evidence of true rehabilitation, remorse, and low risk to public safety. Those convicted of minor offenses, petty theft, or who have served the bulk of their sentences and shown genuine reform are the people the law had in mind. Not hardened criminals who made their names through bloodshed and terror or those who have partially served their term.

Mercy should never mock justice. A government must find the balance between compassion and consequence. The release of violent offenders undermines both. Nigeria’s prisons are overcrowded, yes but the answer is not to open the gates and hope for the best. It lies in reforming the justice system, speeding up trials, and investing in rehabilitation that truly transforms lives, not merely relocating problems from prison yards to city streets.

President Tinubu’s gesture may have been guided by good intentions, but it has left the nation uneasy. The mark of leadership is not in how easily one forgives, but in how wisely one decides who truly deserves forgiveness.

Mercy can heal wounds but when misplaced, it sure deepens them.

Ejike Agbata writes from Nri,

Anaocha LGA,

Anambra State

Police in Enugu State have recovered a Toyota Avensis car reportedly stolen from Otukpo, Benue State, over three months ago. The operation also led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected to the theft.

In a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the recovery was made on October 13, 2025, around 2:10 p.m. at Ibagwa-Nike, Enugu. The operation was carried out by officers attached to the Unity Police Division, following a credible intelligence report.

The arrested suspects were identified as Ernest Oshi (51), Ukpai Ifeanyi (36), and Ogbuzulu David (32). According to police investigations, the vehicle had been stolen on June 29, 2025, from where it was parked in Otukpo, Benue State.

Preliminary findings revealed that Ernest Oshi bought the car from a mechanic Ukpai Ifeanyi, who had earlier purchased it from car dealer Ogbuzulu David. Further investigation showed that David allegedly acquired the vehicle from a mechanic based in Benue State.

The suspects have reportedly confessed to varying degrees of involvement in the case as investigations continue.

SP Ndukwe confirmed that both the recovered vehicle and the suspects have been transferred to the Benue State Police Command, which has jurisdiction over the original theft, for further investigation and prosecution.

He reaffirmed the Enugu State Police Command’s commitment to strengthening inter-state collaboration in the fight against vehicle theft and other criminal activities across Nigeria.

Police in Enugu State say they have arrested two male suspects and recovered four locally fabricated firearms, including an imitation gun, one live cartridge and other incriminating exhibits.

The Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said this in a statement in Enugu.

Ndukwe explained that the operational breakthroughs were part of the command’s sustained efforts to rid the state of crime and criminality.

According to him, on Sept.6 at about 4p.m., operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, raided a criminal hideout in Ameke-Ngwo in Udi LGA, following credible intelligence.

“On sighting the operatives, a group of suspected criminals fled, abandoning a bag.

“A search of the bag led to the recovery of two locally fabricated firearms, one triple-barrelled pistol and one single-barrelled pistol.”

Ndukwe said that similarly, on Sept. 5, at about 11p.m., operative of Abakpa Police Division, while on night patrol, arrested and detained one Peter Kalu, 26, of Enugu, for causing public disturbance.

“A search conducted on him led to the recovery of a locally fabricated imitation pistol,” he said.

The spokesman added that in another development, on Sept. 3 at about 11p.m., operatives of Umabor Police Division, working with local vigilantes, rescued and detained one Ugwu Collins, 23, from an angry mob.

He said that the suspect, while unlawfully in possession of a firearm, was alleged to had violently threatened a male victim.

“one locally fabricated double-barrelled pistol loaded with a live cartridge was recovered from him. The suspect further confessed to membership of the Black Axe Confraternity.

“Further discreet investigations into the cases are ongoing, while the detained suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.

Police in Enugu State say they have arrested six male armed robbery and cult-related activities suspects in separate operations.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu, yesterday.

Following the arrests, operatives recovered  firearms, drugs, and other incriminating exhibits.

Ndukwe disclosed that on 22nd August 2025, at about 5:00 a.m., operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested four male suspects: Samuel Chisom Okpubo (aged 23), Steven Agwu (aged 26), Elijah Umah (aged 27), and Ifenre Ifebuche (aged 22). One firearm, one expended cartridge, substances suspected to be methamphetamine (locally known as “Mkpuru-miri”), and other incriminating exhibits were recovered from them.

According to the him, their arrest followed the confessional statement of Uzor Okwudili (aged 23), earlier arrested by Police operatives of Abakpa Division for cultism, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that while two of the suspects are members of the Black Axe Confraternity, the others confessed to belonging to the Vikings Confraternity,”he said.

“In a related development, on 19th August 2025, at about 6:30 p.m., the same operatives, working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, stormed Ogor-Affa in Udi LGA and arrested Emehelu Nichodemus a.k.a. “SP Fado” (aged 48). A locally made pistol was recovered from him, and he confessed to being a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, in the State, Mr. Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to rid the State of criminal elements.

CP Giwa urged citizens to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and promptly report suspected criminals and their activities to the nearest Police Station, or through the Command’s Control Room via 08032003702, 08086671202 and the State Command-and-Control Centre on 112, 09134666668, or 09134448093.

The police  command in Kwara says it arrested a man, who allegedly dismembered the body of his pregnant sister-in-law, Mrs Esther Enemo at Egbejila Road in Temidire community, Ilorin.

This is contained in a statement by the command Spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Saturday in Ilorin.

According to Ejire-Adeyemi, the command wishes to inform members of the public of a tragic incident that occurred in the early hours of Aug. 21, at Temidire community in Ilorin.

‎”At about 9 a.m., a resident of the area, reported a suspected foul play within the residence of one Mrs Esther Enemo.

“In a swift response, a team of police detectives visited the scene, where the dismembered body of Mrs Esther Enemo (aged 39 years) was discovered in the bush behind her residence.

“Further search led to the recovery of other parts of her body concealed in a sack and dumped beneath a nearby community bridge.
‎
‎”The suspect, (names  withheld), aged 29 years, younger brother to the victim’s husband, who was seen leaving the house a few minutes before the discovery of the incident, has been arrested in connection with the crime.

“Meanwhile, the husband, has also been contacted for necessary clarification.
“The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) morgue for autopsy.
‎
‎”The  Commissioner of Police (CP), Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter, assuring that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served,” he said.
‎
Ejire-Adeyemi expressed the command regret of the unfortunate incident and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculations that would incite fear or tension within the community.

He assured that the police would unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to face the full weight of the law.

He urged the residents to continue to cooperate with the police by providing useful information that would aid ongoing investigations and security operations.

He reiterated the command resolve to protect all residents and ensure peace prevailed in the state.