The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended a dismissed soldier and seven others for their alleged involvement in armed robbery and financial fraud within the state.
DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the state police public relations officer, announced the arrests in a statement on Saturday, December 7. According to him, the suspects are part of an interstate criminal syndicate specialising in armed robbery and financial fraud.
The arrested individuals include Ismaila Isah (23), Abbas Usman (33), Mubarak Garba (24), Sadik Ahmed (a dismissed soldier), Abubakar Haruna (32), Chukwuebuka Obiri (22), and Bright Omeniru (22). Ndukwe revealed that the arrests were made during “coordinated operations” conducted by officers from the Emene Divisional Police Headquarters, the Crack and Octopus Tactical Squads, and the Neighbourhood Watch Group.
The operation began on November 12, 2024, around 3:30 a.m., following a distress call about an armed robbery at an estate in Emene. During the initial response, police operatives arrested Ismaila Isah, while other suspects fled.
Isah was found in possession of a locally made pistol, a cash sum of ₦300,450, and several stolen items. He was subsequently transferred to the Crack Tactical Squad for further investigation. His confession led to the arrest of seven other suspects at their hideouts in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to using stolen mobile phones and SIM cards to withdraw money from victims’ bank accounts. They also confessed to committing multiple armed robberies across Enugu metropolis and selling the stolen proceeds in Imo State and other parts of Nigeria.
Sadik Ahmed, the dismissed soldier, disclosed that he used his background as a former security officer to evade checkpoints while transporting stolen goods interstate.
Recovered items include firearms, ammunition, stolen SIM cards, cash, and other stolen property.
DSP Ndukwe confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion.
