- Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command arrested 15 suspects during a targeted raid on criminal hideouts in the Ozalla community.
- The operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, one live cartridge, and polythene bags of suspected Indian hemp.
- Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered an intensification of proactive crime-fighting strategies across the state.
The Enugu State Police Command has successfully apprehended 15 suspects following a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts in the Ozalla community of Nkanu West Local Government Area.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the operation, which took place in the early hours of February 16, 2026, targeted specific hotspots around the Four Corners area of the community.
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In a statement issued on Friday, the Command confirmed that the raid was the result of a deliberate effort by its Crack Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence regarding criminal activities in the axis.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the 15 suspects taken into custody consist of nine males and six females. During the high-intensity operation, search teams recovered two large polythene bags filled with dried weed suspected to be Indian hemp.
A further sweep of the area led to the discovery of a locally fabricated pistol, which was found loaded with one live cartridge.
The police spokesperson noted that the recovery of these items underscores the significance of the raid in preventing potential violent crimes in the locality.
The Command disclosed that all 15 suspects are currently undergoing thorough screening to determine their specific levels of involvement in the crimes being investigated.
SP Ndukwe clarified that the police would maintain the highest level of professionalism during the process, stating, “Those found not culpable will be released, while those found culpable will be duly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
This proactive approach is part of a wider mandate to sanitize Nkanu West and surrounding communities from the influence of illicit drugs and illegal firearms.
In a swift reaction to the operation’s success, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed all supervisory officers in charge of operations and investigations to sustain the momentum.
The CP emphasized that the Command must remain proactive by identifying and dismantling other criminal hideouts before they become breeding grounds for more serious offenses.
He specifically charged his men to ensure that all suspects caught in the web of criminality face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
CP Giwa further called on the residents of Enugu State to remain vigilant and provide the police with timely and credible information.
He reiterated that community support is vital for the success of security operations, as the police cannot be everywhere at once.
The Enugu State Police Command has warned all criminal elements that the state is no longer a safe haven for their activities, vowing to continue its aggressive campaign against crime until total peace and security are restored across all local government areas.
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