The Enugu state police command has detained four suspects and recovered three vehicles stolen in Enugu and Anambra states during separate operations.
SP Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s spokesman in a statement on Saturday said the arrests were made through intelligence-driven operations carried out by police operatives in collaboration with local security groups.
According to him, operatives attached to the Central Police Station and members of the neighbourhood watch group on February 26 arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Joseph Nsor, at Chris Chemist roundabout in Enugu.
He said, “the suspect, who had arrived in Enugu the previous day without a fixed address, was apprehended while attempting to escape with a stolen Toyota Hiace bus, which he reportedly accessed and started using a master key.”
Ndukwe said the vehicle was recovered and the owner identified, adding that the suspect was arraigned in court on February 27 and remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre.
In another operation on January 31, operatives of the anti-cultism tactical squad arrested Ugwuanyi Samuel, also known as “Sammyblack,” who was allegedly found with a red Toyota Camry bearing a National Association of Nigerian Students plate number.
“Investigations revealed that the vehicle belonged to a female victim from Ogbunike, Anambra State, and was snatched in June 2022 after her son was abducted at gunpoint while driving the vehicle,” he said.
He added that the victim’s son was later released after a ransom of N500,000 was paid, while the vehicle was taken away and repainted.
Ndukwe further disclosed that on January 24, police operatives acting on intelligence arrested two suspects, Chinonso John, 27, and Samuel Nwankwor, 41, an ex-convict, at New Garriki, Awkunanaw in Enugu.
He noted that investigations were ongoing to arrest other accomplices, adding that the remaining suspects and exhibits would be handed over to the Anambra State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
The commissioner of police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling crime and urged residents to provide useful information while adopting basic vehicle security measures.
