The Enugu Police Command has detained five male suspects for armed robbery and related offences in separate operations.

In a statement on Sunday in Enugu, the command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said police operatives recovered two firearms and seven ammunition from the suspects.

He stated that on October 29, at about 5:45 p.m., operatives of the Distress Response Squad (DRS) intercepted a shuttle bus from Enugu to Abakaliki during a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu–Abakaliki road.

“Upon searching, the occupant was found in unlawful possession of a locally made, cut-to-size, single-barrelled gun and was immediately detained.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was travelling from Awka, Anambra State,” he said.

The spokesman said that on the same day, October 28, at about 10:30 p.m., operatives of the anti-cultism tactical squad, acting on credible intelligence, stormed New Garriki by Ukwu-Achara in Enugu and detained another individual.

“A locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol loaded with one round of 9mm calibre ammunition was recovered from him,” he said.

Mr Ndukwe also stated that on October 20, at about 2:00 p.m., police operatives, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch members, raided a black spot at Amechi-Awkunanaw in Enugu.

He said the operatives detained three suspects, while six live cartridges were recovered from them, adding that the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.

According to him, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, commended the command for a successful operation and urged residents to be law-abiding and vigilant and to support the police, especially during the “ember” months.

“As a command, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to sustaining the fight against unrepentant criminals and ensuring the continued safety and security of residents of the state,” he said.

(NAN)