The Enugu State Police Command has recorded major operational successes under the Inspector-General of Police’s “Handshake Patrol” initiative, foiling an attempted armed robbery, neutralising one suspected armed robber, arresting four other suspects, and recovering firearms, suspected illicit drugs, and other incriminating exhibits during coordinated border security operations across the state.
According to an official statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the operations, conducted at different border locations, underscore the Command’s sustained efforts to strengthen border security and combat violent crimes through intelligence-led policing.
The statement disclosed that in one of the operations carried out on June 28, 2026, at about 6:15 a.m., operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, working in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, foiled an armed robbery attempt after a criminal gang blocked a section of the Enugu–Abakaliki Road to rob commuters.
The Command stated that the gang, which had been on its watchlist for a series of armed robbery attacks along the border route, engaged the operatives in a gun battle. During the exchange of fire, the gang leader, Ifesinachi Kenneth, sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while other members escaped.
According to the statement, Kenneth’s confessional statement led to the arrest of another suspect, Izuchukwu Nwanga, who allegedly kept the gang’s proceeds of crime. Kenneth was taken to a medical facility for treatment but was later confirmed dead.
In another operation conducted at about 5:30 p.m. on the same day, police operatives attached to the Umumba Division, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a criminal hideout at Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area, bordering Anambra State.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Uwah Ifesinachi Sunday, 23, and Chinonso Okafor Paul, 25. Recovered from the hideout were a locally fabricated pistol, a knife, a pair of scissors, and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Similarly, at about 10:00 a.m. on June 28, operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad conducting stop-and-search operations 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 a 21-year-old suspect, Ifediri Nwobu. The suspect reportedly attempted to escape arrest by jumping into a nearby river but was successfully apprehended by the operatives.
The statement added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the cases, while all those arrested will be arraigned before the court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, commended the courage, professionalism, and collaboration displayed by police operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch during the operations.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening border security and tackling violent crimes through intelligence-led policing, while urging residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and continue supporting security agencies with credible information to rid the state of criminal elements.
