The Enugu State Police Command, in a coordinated effort with local Neighbourhood Watch operatives, has successfully dismantled a notorious armed robbery syndicate specializing in hijacking and snatching mini trucks across the state.
The operation, carried out on Saturday, May 11, 2025, around 3:00 p.m., resulted in the arrest of one suspect, the safe rescue of a kidnapped truck driver, and the recovery of a stolen mini truck.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the swift intervention followed a report received by the Ozalla Police Division regarding a truck hijacking incident. Acting promptly, police operatives swung into action and apprehended one of the suspects identified as 35-year-old Chinedu Onwuka, while other members of the gang fled the scene.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had hired the unsuspecting mini truck driver under the guise of transporting bags of sand from Ogbete, Enugu to Umuatuaboma in Nkanu West Local Government Area. However, in a well-orchestrated plot, they diverted the vehicle along the Umuatuaboma–Obuofia Road, held the driver at gunpoint, and tied him to a tree in a nearby bush before fleeing with the vehicle—a Daihatsu Hijet, popularly known as “Diana.”
Thanks to the prompt response by security operatives, the victim was rescued unharmed, and the stolen vehicle was successfully recovered.
During interrogation, the arrested suspect confessed to the crime and further admitted to participating in a similar hijacking operation the previous month. He revealed that he received ₦90,000 as his share from the proceeds of another stolen mini truck.
Commending the officers for their proactive response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to eliminate all forms of violent crime within the state. He also advised commercial vehicle operators, especially mini truck drivers, to exercise vigilance and conduct due diligence when engaging clients for transport services.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.
