Police Arrest Dismissed Soldier, Seven Others in Enugu Armed Robbery Bust

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested eight individuals, including a dismissed soldier, involved in armed robbery and financial fraud in the state. The suspects were apprehended following a series of coordinated operations by the Emene Division, Crack and Octopus Tactical Squads, and the Neighbourhood Watch Group.

The operation, which began on November 12, 2024, targeted an interstate criminal syndicate involved in various criminal activities. The police recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, and other stolen items during the operation, which resulted in the arrest of Ismaila Isah (23), Sadik Ahmed (28), Abbas Usman (33), Mubarak Garba (24), Abubakar Haruna (23), Abubakar Sani (32), Obiri Chukwuebuka (22), and Bright Omeniru (22).

According to police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe, two locally made pistols, one loaded with live ammunition, and ₦300,450 were recovered from the suspects. Other items seized included ten laptops, land documents, ten mobile phones, various jewelry, MP3 players, power banks, and more.

The operation was triggered by a distress call about an armed robbery at an estate in Emene. Ismaila Isah was initially arrested with stolen items, including the cash and one pistol. His confessions led to further investigations and the arrest of additional suspects at their hideouts in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu.

A separate intelligence-led operation by the Octopus Tactical Squad resulted in the arrest of Obiri Chukwuebuka and Bright Omeniru in Owerri, Imo State. The two suspects admitted to using stolen phones to withdraw funds fraudulently from victims’ bank accounts, and two SIM cards were also recovered.

The investigation revealed that the suspects had committed multiple armed robberies within Enugu and used the stolen SIM cards to conduct fraudulent activities. Sadik Ahmed, the dismissed soldier, reportedly exploited his background to bypass security checkpoints while transporting stolen items across state lines.

The suspects are expected to face charges in court once investigations are completed. Enugu State Police Commissioner Kanayo Uzuegbu commended the operatives for their successful operation and urged them to maintain their efforts against crime, especially during the festive season.