The Enugu State Police Command has recorded major operational successes under the Inspector-General of Police’s Handshake Patrol initiative, foiling an attempted armed robbery, neutralising a suspected gang leader, arresting four suspects, and recovering firearms, suspected illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits during coordinated border security operations.
The operations, carried out at strategic border communities across Enugu State, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and combat violent crime.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, working alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch, foiled an attempted armed robbery on the Enugu–Abakaliki Road on June 28, 2026.
The Command said the suspected robbers had barricaded a section of the highway in an attempt to rob commuters when security operatives confronted them, leading to a gun battle.
During the exchange of fire, the alleged gang leader, Ifesinachi Kenneth, sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while other members of the gang fled the scene. He was taken to hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
Police said information obtained from the suspect before his death led to the arrest of another suspect, Izuchukwu Nwanga, who allegedly kept the gang’s proceeds from criminal activities.
In a separate operation on the same day, police operatives attached to the Umumba Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area near the Anambra State border.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Uwah Ifesinachi Sunday, 23, and Chinonso Okafor Paul, 25.
Recovered during the raid were a locally fabricated pistol, a knife, a pair of scissors and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Also on June 28, operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad conducting stop-and-search operations along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway at Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area intercepted a commercial tricycle carrying passengers.
A search led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size firearm allegedly belonging to one of the passengers, 21-year-old Ifediri Nwobu.
The suspect reportedly attempted to evade arrest by fleeing and jumping into a nearby river but was apprehended by the operatives.
The Police Command said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal networks linked to the cases, adding that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the professionalism and courage of the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening border security through intelligence-led policing.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding and continue supporting the police with credible information to help rid Enugu State of criminal elements.
