Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected cultists in two separate intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering two firearms and three live cartridges, according to a statement issued by the command's spokesperson on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The coordinated raids, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), targeted suspected cult-related activities in Isi-Uzo and Ezeagu Local Government Areas, marking a significant escalation in the command's sustained offensive against cultism and other violent crimes.
The first operation was conducted on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at about 12:00 noon, when detectives acting on the confessional statement of Nwodo Peters Chinweokwu, also known as "Sir-P" or "Biggy," recovered a locally fabricated single-barrel pistol concealed in a bush in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area. Chinweokwu had earlier been arrested during a joint operation alongside seven other suspects identified as Nnaji Emmanuel, 34; Iroegbu Joshua, 18; Nwafor Miracle, 28; Ogbonna Moses Osinachi, 19; Oha Chidiebere Francis, 24; Udebuani Chukwuma, 30; and Elochukwu Oko, alias "Benson," 29. The confession of the 25-year-old suspect, who was initially arrested by the Isi-Uzo Police Division, led operatives to the hidden weapon, underscoring the value of intelligence-driven policing in dismantling criminal networks.
In a separate operation carried out around 2:00 a.m. on the same day, operatives acting on the confessional statement of another suspect, Izuchukwu Obieze, alias "Small," who had been under investigation for conspiracy and cultism, raided locations in Ezeagu Local Government Area. The raid led to the arrest of five additional suspects identified as Oscar Ebuka, 37; Eze Chimaobi Godson, alias "Torpedo," 36; Ukeje Kingsley, 37; Tochukwu Chilo, alias "Boss Me," 26; and Nnamezie Amechi, alias "Obodobuigwe," 46. Police also recovered one pump-action gun loaded with three live cartridges during the operation.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects are providing useful information to aid the arrest of other fleeing accomplices and the recovery of more exhibits. "Efforts are being intensified to arrest other accomplices currently at large and recover additional exhibits. All the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations," Ndukwe stated.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command's unwavering commitment to combating cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the state. He also urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information to enhance security across Enugu State.
The arrests come as part of a broader crackdown on cultism and violent crime in Enugu State, which has witnessed a resurgence of cult-related activities in recent months. The command has intensified its operations, leveraging intelligence and community cooperation to dismantle criminal networks and recover illegal weapons. The recovery of the firearms and the arrest of the 14 suspects represent a significant blow to cult operations in the state, particularly in the Isi-Uzo and Ezeagu areas, which have been identified as hotspots for cult-related violence.
The Enugu State Police Command has reiterated its determination to rid the state of cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes, assuring residents of its commitment to maintaining law and order. The command has called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist in the fight against criminality, emphasizing that community partnership remains essential to the success of its operations. As investigations continue and the suspects await arraignment, the latest arrests send a clear message that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with those who choose to terrorise communities through cult-related violence.
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