Police Storm Criminal Hideouts in Enugu, Nab Four, Recover Stolen Phones, Suspected Drugs

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested four suspects and recovered stolen mobile phones and substances suspected to be cannabis sativa during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts in the state.

The operations, carried out by operatives of the Central Police Station (CPS) in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, and the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, were part of sustained efforts to curb theft and related crimes across Enugu metropolis.

Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the development in a statement, said that on March 1 at about 8:00 p.m., operatives raided a hideout along the Holy Ghost rail line. Two suspects Nnachetam Didiugwu, 20, and Ogbu Maduabuchi, 22 were arrested during the operation.

According to the statement, the suspects, said to have no fixed residential addresses, are alleged to specialise in snatching bags and other valuables from unsuspecting members of the public, particularly during evening hours. Four mobile phones of different brands (Honour, Vivo, Tecno and Itel) as well as wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa were recovered from them.

In a related operation on February 28 at about 9:00 a.m., operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, while on patrol, stormed a suspected criminal hideout at Eke Obinagu in Emene, leading to the arrest of Eze Chukwuemeka, 25, and Isiaka Musa, 25. Police said a large quantity of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa was recovered from the location.

The Command noted that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and recover additional exhibits. The arrested persons will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and crime prevention. He urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, and to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

The police added that community partnership remains central to sustaining security gains recorded in recent months.