Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
ENUGU, Nigeria – In a significant breakthrough in the fight against cross‑border crime, operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested two suspects linked to a violent interstate kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate that has been terrorising border communities between Enugu and Benue states. The suspects, identified as Mohammed Hassan, 28, and Aminu Usman, 26, both natives of Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, were apprehended on May 14, 2026, at about 1:20 p.m. at Amutenyi, Obollo‑Afor, in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. According to a statement issued on Monday, May 18, by the Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu State, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the arrest was carried out by operatives attached to the Udenu Police Division in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group.
The police statement indicated that items recovered from the suspects included one Beretta pistol loaded with two rounds of 9mm live ammunition, three suspected stolen motorcycles, one mobile phone, suspected charms, an ATM card, a bunch of keys, and the sum of N4,700. Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are members of an interstate kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping and motorcycle‑snatching operations along border communities between Enugu and Benue states. The recovery of the Beretta pistol suggests that the gang used the threat of lethal force to intimidate victims during abduction and robbery operations. The motorcycles are believed to have been snatched from unsuspecting victims, a crime that has become increasingly common in the state's border areas.
The Enugu State Police Command has noted that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate. The suspects will be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations. Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, reaffirmed the command’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements, stating that the police would not rest on their oars in ensuring that criminal elements are flushed out of Enugu State. He commended the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group for the successful operation and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the security situation along the Enugu‑Benue border, which has seen an uptick in kidnappings, armed robberies and motorcycle snatchings in recent months. The region's remote nature and limited police presence have made it a prime target for criminal gangs. The collaboration between the police and the Neighbourhood Watch Group in this operation underscores the importance of community partnership in combating crime.
The two suspects are currently in police custody awaiting trial. Further details of the investigation are expected to be released as authorities continue to track down other members of the syndicate.
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