The Enugu State Police Command has intensified its operations against criminal activities, leading to the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of eight stolen or snatched vehicles, alongside other exhibits.

The breakthrough, recorded in separate operations between August 8 and 21, 2025, underscores the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.

On August 21, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team arrested three suspects — Eze Obinna (44), Jideofor Igwumba (35), and Martina Okwor Ada (49) — and recovered a stolen Toyota Kluger SUV in Awka, Anambra State. The vehicle had been taken from Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, on July 21 and refurbished for resale.

In another operation on August 19, police operatives attached to Ozalla Division intercepted suspected burglars along the Udi/Ozalla Road. One suspect, Somadina Udeh (26), was arrested, while others fled. Officers recovered the gang’s operational vehicle, a Toyota Hiace bus with Delta registration number ASB 108 YF, and another Hiace bus stolen from Amokwe, Udi LGA. The suspect confessed that the gang specialized in raiding shops in Enugu and selling stolen goods in Anambra.

Earlier, on August 12, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested Chigozie Ebisike (42) and recovered a blue Toyota Corolla in Ogui, Enugu. The arrest followed intelligence linking the suspect to the snatching of a Toyota Camry on August 3 along Rangers Avenue, Independence Layout. His confession led to the recovery of two more stolen vehicles — a gold Toyota Sienna and a black Lexus 350 — alongside vehicle documents, keys, and number plates.

Similarly, on August 8, Crack Tactical Squad operatives arrested three suspects — Nwafor Chinenye (35), Chidera Ezeoha (32), and Ekete Joseph (41) — for armed robbery. The gang had snatched a motorcycle and a Samsung Galaxy S8 phone from victims in Amokpu-Nike, Enugu East LGA, on August 7. Two stolen motorcycles were recovered when the suspects attempted to sell them at Ogbeke-Nike. They have since been arraigned and remanded in custody.

The police said the remaining suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the syndicates and recover more stolen property.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, commended the operatives for their efforts and reassured residents of the Command’s determination to sustain the tempo of crime-fighting. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.