Police Disown Fake Recruitment Release, Arrest Two Suspected Thieves in Enugu

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has disowned a fake press release announcing the commencement of training for 50,000 newly recruited police constables, as the Enugu State Police Command announced the arrest of two suspected thieves and recovery of stolen items in separate operations.

The purported recruitment statement, titled “IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu Directs Commencement of Training for 50,000 Newly Recruited Police Constables,” has been circulating and bears the name and designation of the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.

In a disclaimer, the NPF described the document as false, stressing that it was neither issued nor authorised by the Force.

The police urged members of the public, particularly recruitment candidates, to disregard its contents and rely only on information published through the official police recruitment portal and verified NPF communication channels.

The Force said it was tracking those responsible for generating and circulating the fake document and would take legal action against anyone found culpable.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command said its operatives had arrested two suspected thieves in separate operations at Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area and New Haven, Enugu.

The Command said a 24-year-old suspect, Nnamani Chekube Eze, was arrested on September 9 at Obuno-Akpugo while allegedly in possession of an unregistered Sanya motorcycle reportedly stolen from a resident. Police said the suspect made a confessional statement and was assisting investigators.

In another operation, police officers attached to New Haven Division arrested Godwin Emmanuel on August 30 at an uncompleted building near WAEC Bus Stop, Independence Layout.

According to the Command, he was found with a tricycle allegedly stolen earlier that day from a church in the area. Police also said he confessed to stealing a Sumo pumping machine at Maryland, Enugu. He was subsequently arraigned and remanded in correctional custody.

The Command further disclosed that on September 3, residents alerted police to suspected thieves moving from Ugbo-Okonkwo towards Powerline, New Haven.

Police said the suspects fled after operatives mobilised to the area, abandoning two bags containing 112 new wrappers and 29 female handbags. The items were recovered with the assistance of the Neighbourhood Watch and later identified and returned to their owners.

A POS machine and heavy-duty cable cutter were also recovered.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended police operatives, residents and security groups for their vigilance and cooperation.

He directed that the fleeing suspects be identified and arrested, while urging investigators to ensure that suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Command said the motorcycle theft suspect would be arraigned after completion of investigation.