Enugu Police Raid Criminal Hideouts in Ozalla, Arrest 15 Suspects

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested 15 suspects following a targeted raid on criminal hideouts in the Ozalla community, located in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

The operation was conducted in the early hours of Monday, February 16, 2026, focusing on identified hotspots around the Four Corners area of the community.

In a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, explained that the raid was executed by the Command’s Crack Tactical Squad based on credible intelligence gathered.

“Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the Crack Tactical Squad, in the early hours of 16th February 2026, acted on credible intelligence and raided identified criminal hotspots at Four Corners area of Ozalla community,” the statement read.

The police spokesperson confirmed that nine male and six female suspects were apprehended during the operation. Recovered items from the scene included two polythene bags containing dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. A subsequent search of the vicinity also led to the discovery of a locally fabricated pistol loaded with one live cartridge.

SP Ndukwe stated that the suspects are currently undergoing a thorough screening process to ascertain their individual levels of involvement in criminal activities. He added that those found to be innocent will be released, while those found culpable will face investigation and prosecution in line with the law.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed commanding officers to sustain the command’s proactive crime-fighting strategies. He emphasized the need to intensify efforts in identifying and dismantling all criminal hideouts across the state, as well as ensuring the arrest and prosecution of offenders.

The police chief also appealed to residents of Enugu State to continue supporting the command by providing timely and credible information that can aid in enhancing security operations.

The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and issued a stern warning to criminal elements to desist from their activities or face the full consequences of the law.