TheCable

The Enugu police command says operatives attached to ‘Operation Restore Peace’ have arrested 10 criminal suspects for kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and fighting in the state.

Daniel Ndukwe, the state police public relations officer, in a statement, said three of the suspects were alleged to be responsible for the abduction of farmers in Nimbo area of the state.

Ndukwe said the security operatives recovered two firearms, four live ammunition of .9mm calibre, one expended cartridge, two vehicles, one tricycle, one machete and other incriminating items from the suspects.

“On May 28 at about 7a.m., operatives attached to Nimbo Police Division in synergy with Neighbourhood Watch Group, arrested Nnamdi Okweli, 26; Victor Nwakor, 23 and Chisom Nwankpa, 22 for suspected kidnapping, while others escaped,” Ndukwe said.

“Their arrest is sequel to the receipt of reports alleging that the trio and others at large are responsible for the kidnapping of farmers in the area. The suspects confessed to the crime, while discreet investigation is ongoing.’’

The police spokesman said on May 26, the operatives attached to Ogui police division, arrested Daniel Okoro and Nzekwe Michael while others escaped.

He said the duo and others at large, operating in a yellow-coloured Daihatsu Hijet commercial mini-bus with registration number ELU 366 XJ were alleged to have robbed their victims of N200,000 at gunpoint on May 25.

Ndukwe said the suspects confessed to the crime, and that a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.

“In another development, acting on a distress call, operatives attached to Udenu Area Command in synergy with Neighbourhood Watch Group on May 26 at 4:30a.m., rescued and arrested two suspects from an angry mob in Eha-Alumona community in Nsukka Local Government Area,” he said.

“One locally-made chief revolver pistol with four rounds of .9mm calibre of live ammunition was recovered from the suspects.

“Their rescue and arrest is sequel to a report alleging that the duo and gang members at large, robbed their victim on May 15 at 1a.m. in Amundi village of the same community.”