Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have dismantled a one-chance and armed robbery network following a series of coordinated operations carried out by the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad between 22 November and 1 December 2025. The arrests led to the exposure of a criminal chain linked to tricycle theft, drug-for-stolen-goods exchanges, and violent assaults on passengers across parts of the state.
The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Patrick (19), Odoh David (21), Izuchukwu Ogbodo (37), Charles Ekenechukwu Egwuatu (39) and Justina Dike (37), were arrested after multiple intelligence-driven raids. Recovered evidence includes an imitation gun, four tricycles suspected to be stolen, a scissors blade, multiple master keys and several SIM cards believed to have been used for criminal communication.
Patrick and Odoh were first intercepted on 22 November 2025 with assistance from the Neighbourhood Watch Group. Investigators recovered an imitation firearm and a scissors blade from them. Both suspects confessed to membership of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and admitted that the seized items were tools for robbery operations. Their statements guided operatives to the arrest of Izuchukwu Ogbodo, from whom six master keys and five MTN SIM cards were recovered.
Further interrogation revealed that Odoh had been stealing tricycles across Awkunanaw using the master keys and also operated as part of a one-chance syndicate targeting unsuspecting passengers. His confession opened a deeper trail that uncovered the involvement of Justina Dike and Charles Ekenechukwu Egwuatu. Justina admitted that she participated in one-chance activities with the gang and ran a drug distribution point in New Garriki, where stolen property, including tricycles, was exchanged for drugs.
The series of arrests ultimately led to the recovery of four BAJAJ RE tricycles. Two were identifiable with registration numbers JRV 461 WZ and ENU 018 VG, while the remaining two bore no visible registration. Police authorities say all recovered exhibits are now part of an expanding investigation aimed at tracing more stolen vehicles and identifying additional accomplices.
Recent months in Enugu have seen a rise in one-chance incidents, particularly around transit hubs and busy evening routes. Several passengers have reported theft, assault and forced ATM withdrawals, highlighting a pattern that aligns with the tactics exposed in this latest operation. The dismantling of this network marks significant progress amid intensified security measures for the festive season.
Stone Reporters’ remark notes parallels with recent breakthroughs in neighbouring states, where security agencies have also cracked multi-layered tricycle theft rings tied to drug markets and interstate robbery groups. These cases show how small clusters of criminal activity often connect to broader illicit networks, underscoring the need for sustained intelligence sharing.
In a professional observation, the methodical approach taken by investigators—using one suspect’s confession to track the next—demonstrates how layered interrogation and tactical surveillance help unravel complex urban crime rings. The recovery of multiple tricycles also suggests that targeted interventions can yield quick wins when local vigilante groups and formal security agencies collaborate.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the operatives and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to securing the state as holiday activities peak. He urged residents to stay alert, obey security advisories and support ongoing efforts to remove criminal elements from the streets.
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