The Police command in Enugu State has detained an alleged firearm repairer and two other suspects over unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and suspected cultism.

The state police spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Enugu.

Mr Ndukwe said operatives achieved the arrests through sustained proactive policing operations across the state.

He noted that exhibits recovered included three locally-made guns, six live cartridges, a motorcycle and other incriminating items in separate operations within Nsukka and 9th Mile.

Mr Ndukwe said operatives attached to the Okpuje Division Surveillance Team intercepted Sunday Okwumaji, 23, on May 19 during a stop-and-search duty at Ovogovo.

He said Mr Okwumaji, from Igala-Mela Local Government Area of Kogi State, was intercepted along the Nsukka-Enugu-Ezike-Umuopu Road.

 “A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of one locally-made pistol loaded with one live cartridge concealed in his bag.

“The suspect claimed to be a firearm repairer and stated that the firearm was handed over to him for repairs by its owner,” Mr Ndukwe said.

The spokesman said operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad also intercepted a motorcycle carrying three occupants along Abor/Nsukka Old Road, 9th Mile.

He stated that the incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on the same day during a routine stop-and-search operation.

“Upon attempts to search them, two suspects, including the rider, fled, while one Chimobi Ozo, 27, was detained.

“Recovered from his bag were one locally-fabricated revolver pistol and four live cartridges,” he said.

Mr Ndukwe said the suspect confessed to involvement in cult-related activities during interrogation.

“He stated that he and his fleeing accomplices were heading to a secret cult gathering at Ijebuoghene in the Udi Local Government Area,” he added.

The spokesman added that operatives attached to the Nsukka Area Command recovered another firearm during surveillance patrol along Amaenu Edem, Nsukka.

He said a male rider abandoned his ladies’ motorcycle and bag before fleeing on sighting the operatives on May 15.

Mr Ndukwe said a search of the bag led to the recovery of one locally-made pistol and one live cartridge.

Other recovered items included four bunches of keys, a tube suspected for illicit drug use, torchlight, spanners and an iron cutter.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives subsequently traced and detained the suspect, identified as Ekene Ugwu, 31, on May 16,” he said.

Mr Ndukwe said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplices, while the suspects would be arraigned after investigations.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.

Mr Giwa reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the fight against crime and criminality across the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding and supportive by providing credible and timely information to security agencies. 

(NAN)