The Enugu State Police Command has successfully apprehended two suspects, Emeka Fidelis and Sochima Okpara, for possessing firearms and live ammunition in separate incidents at Ogbeke Nike and Trans-Ekulu Area of Enugu, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the state command, Daniel Ndukwe, the arrests were made by operatives of the Unity Police Division and the Crack Squad Tactical Team during the discharge of their duties.
The suspects were found in possession of dangerous weapons, leading to their detention and the recovery of the firearms.
Emeka Fidelis, aged 28, was arrested at Ogbeke Nike on December 17, 2023, at about 5:45 p.m.
The police recovered a cut-to-size locally-made double-barrelled pistol in his unlawful possession.
Meanwhile, Sochima Okpara, aged 37, was apprehended on December 16, 2023, around 3:30 a.m. during a routine patrol at Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.
The police discovered one Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition (.9 mm calibre) in his possession.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Okpara is a member and kingpin of the Apache Tiger confraternity, involved in several criminal activities within Enugu metropolis.
The spokesperson assured that thorough investigations were ongoing, and once concluded, the suspects would be arraigned in court and prosecuted.
Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Usuegbu, emphasised the commitment of the command to ensuring the safety of citizens during the festive season and beyond.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated hotlines and email addresses.
“Further discreet investigations into the cases are ongoing, while the suspects shall be arraigned in court and prosecuted accordingly once the investigations are concluded,” Kanayo said.
