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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 20 suspected cultists and drug peddlers in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering suspected hard drugs, 22 motorcycles, a tricycle and other exhibits.
The operations, carried out between July 7 and July 14, targeted suspected cult activities, drug trafficking and other violent crimes in different parts of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement at the weekend, said the operations were carried out by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
According to him, the latest operation was conducted around noon on July 14 at Banana Estate, Independence Layout, Enugu, following credible intelligence that suspected cultists were using motorcycles and a tricycle to terrorise residents, rob unsuspecting members of the public, vandalise property and peddle hard drugs.
He said two suspects, identified as Ogbodo Chebe, 40, alleged to be a member of the Abashie Confraternity and a youth leader, and Oguma Onyebuchi, 27, were arrested during the raid.
Ndukwe said quantities of substances suspected to be Colos were recovered from the suspects, while other members of the group fled the scene, abandoning eight motorcycles and a tricycle, all of which were recovered by the police.
In another operation conducted on July 7, operatives raided identified criminal hideouts and blackspots in Emene and Eke Obinagu, leading to the arrest of six suspects.
“Recovered from the suspects were large quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, methamphetamine, popularly known as Mkpụrụ-mmiri, and wraps of suspected cocaine,” he said, adding that the operation disrupted criminal activities in the affected areas.
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The police spokesman further disclosed that earlier on the same day, officers acted on intelligence and foiled what they described as a planned public celebration of the alleged 7/7 anniversary of the Black Axe (Aye) Confraternity at Owerre Eze-Oba community in Udenu Local Government Area.
According to him, the gathering had created panic among residents before police operatives stormed the venue and arrested 12 suspects.
He said exhibits recovered during the operation included an axe, a set of drum instruments and 14 motorcycles.
Ndukwe said investigations were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects, unravel the full extent of the alleged criminal activities and recover additional exhibits.
He added that all the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against cultism, illicit drug trafficking and other violent crimes.
“The Command remains committed to intelligence-driven policing against cultism, illicit drug trafficking and other violent crimes,” the commissioner said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing the police with credible and timely information to support ongoing efforts to improve security across the state.
