The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 13 male suspects over an ambush on its operatives in Akpakume community, Udi Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the attack took place on Monday when officers went to arrest individuals allegedly involved in conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and cult-related activities.
“Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in the early hours of 3rd November 2025, arrested thirteen (13) male suspects and recovered one (1) locally made single-barrelled gun at Akpakume community, Udi Local Government Area,” said Ndukwe, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.
He explained that the suspects and their cohorts, who had laid an ambush, opened fire on the police team, injuring some officers and damaging their operational vehicle.
“The operatives, however, swiftly responded with superior firepower, forcing many of the criminal elements to flee with varying degrees of severe gunshot injuries. One locally made single-barrelled gun was recovered during the arrest,” Ndukwe said
The command’s spokesperson noted that the suspects’ gunfire also shattered the light of the police operational vehicle and damaged other vehicles in the area.
During the visit, according to Ndukwe, it was observed that the hoodlums had willfully destroyed houses, shops, and other properties, including crops and livestock belonging to members of the community.
“Preliminary investigation has uncovered that the criminal acts are in furtherance of an existing intra-communal crisis in the area.”
While the Commissioner has ordered the manhunt of other fleeing suspects, he urged law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue to go about their lawful businesses.
He assured that the Command will stop at nothing to ensure that all those involved in the attack and other related criminal activities in the area are brought to justice.