Enugu Police Arrest 14 Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms, Ammunition

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected cultists in two intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering two firearms, live ammunition and other incriminating exhibits in a renewed crackdown on violent crime.

The Command said the operations, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), targeted cult-related activities in Isi-Uzo and Ezeagu Local Government Areas.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the first operation took place on July 26 at about 12 noon in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo LGA.

He said the operation followed the confessional statement of a suspect, Nwodo Peters Chinweokwu, also known as "Sir-P" or "Biggy," aged 25, leading operatives to recover a locally fabricated single-barrel pistol concealed in a bush.

Ndukwe explained that Chinweokwu had earlier been arrested during a joint operation by the Isi-Uzo Police Division and subsequently handed over to the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit along with seven other suspects.

The other suspects were identified as Nnaji Emmanuel, 34; Iroegbu Joshua, 18; Nwafor Miracle, 28; Ogbonna Moses Osinachi, 19; Oha Chidiebere Francis, 24; Udebuani Chukwuma, 30; and Elochukwu Oko, also known as "Benson," aged 29.

In a separate operation conducted earlier the same day at about 2 a.m. in Ezeagu LGA, operatives acted on the confessional statement of another suspect, Izuchukwu Obieze, alias "Small," aged 24, who is under investigation for conspiracy and cultism.

The follow-up raid resulted in the arrest of five additional suspects identified as Oscar Ebuka, 37; Eze Chimaobi Godson, alias "Torpedo," 36; Ukeje Kingsley, 37; Tochukwu Chilo, alias "Boss Me," 26; and Nnamezie Amechi, alias "Obodobuigwe," 46.

Police also recovered a pump-action gun loaded with three live cartridges during the operation.

The Command said investigations are ongoing, adding that the suspects are making useful statements to investigators. It also disclosed that efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing accomplices and recover more weapons and other exhibits linked to the suspects.

The police assured that all the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command's determination to sustain the fight against cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, obey the law and continue providing the police with credible and timely information to support ongoing security efforts.