The Enugu State Police Command says it has arrested six suspects linked to armed robbery and cult-related activities in different parts of the state.
Police spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the arrests in a statement on Monday, said firearms, drugs, and other incriminating items were recovered from the suspects during the operations.
“On August 22 at about 5 a.m., operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested four male suspects. One firearm, an expended cartridge, substances suspected to be methamphetamine, and other exhibits were recovered,” Ndukwe explained.
He said the breakthrough followed the confession of a suspect earlier picked up by officers of the Abakpa Division for cultism, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that two of the suspects belong to the Black Axe confraternity, while the others confessed to being members of the Vikings confraternity,” the police spokesperson added.
In another incident on August 19, operatives working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch stormed Ogor-Affa in Udi Local Government Area and arrested a 48-year-old man.
“A locally made pistol was recovered from him, and he admitted to being a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity,” Ndukwe said.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr. Mamman Giwa, commended the operatives for the feat and assured residents that the command will sustain its efforts to rid the state of criminal gangs.
“The command remains committed to the fight against violent crimes. We urge residents to be law-abiding, stay vigilant, and promptly report suspicious activities,” Giwa said.