The Enugu State Police Command has foiled a robbery attempt and arrested a suspected armed robber in the process.
According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the incident occurred on Friday at about 2:30 a.m. along the Enugu-Ugwogo-Nsukka Road.
Ndukwe said police operatives attached to the Ugwogo Police Division responded swiftly to a distress call about an ongoing robbery. On arrival, they met a gang of armed hoodlums attempting to rob road users. The suspects, upon sighting the operatives, engaged them in a gun duel but were overpowered.
“One of the hoodlums was arrested and found in possession of a locally made pistol loaded with two live cartridges. The other gang members managed to escape into the nearby bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
He added that no casualty was recorded on the side of the police or civilians, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives for their swift response and bravery. He reiterated the command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or persons to the police promptly, especially individuals with gunshot injuries appearing at hospitals or in their communities.
The suspect is currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations, Ndukwe said, adding that he would be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
