Tactical Raids in Enugu Lead to Arrest of Vikings and Black Axe Members and Armed Robbery Suspects, Firearms Recovered

 

Thirteen suspected members of notorious cult groups and armed robbery syndicates have been arrested in a series of carefully coordinated operations by the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad. The suspects, allegedly linked to the Vikings Confraternity and the Black Axe group, were apprehended over multiple days spanning across Enugu and Rivers states.

The command's spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, shared details of the successful operations in a press release issued Friday. According to him, tactical raids backed by credible intelligence led to the arrest of the suspects, as well as the recovery of firearms and two vehicles believed to have been stolen during previous robberies.

Recovered during the raids were a cut-to-size double-barreled gun, a red Toyota Camry XLE (plate number YEN 221 AG), and an ash-colored Kia Soul (plate number PHC 845 AE). Other seized items include a pistol-like object later identified as a Spark-L electronic gas lighter, ₦30,000 in cash, a mobile phone worth ₦17,000, a vehicle key, and a bank ATM card.

Among the suspects arrested are Ebuka Odinko, 35; Chiemerie Amano, 25; Onyebuchi Onyekwere, 24; Udofia Richard, 43; Richard Arinzechukwu Nwaomu, 32; Stephen Chidiebere, 42; Arinze Udeh, 30; Onuigbo Kingsley, 49; and Ifeanyi Ede, 30. All face charges related to conspiracy, armed robbery, illegal possession of weapons, and cultism.

On July 30, at around 3:40 a.m., the squad moved on Oyofo-Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area following a confession by a 35-year-old suspect already in custody, identified as Ekene Akpata (aka Odumodu). That operation led to the arrest of Odinko, Amano, and Onyekwere. Preliminary investigations confirmed their membership in the Vikings Confraternity and linked them to a string of violent robberies across the state.

Further breakthroughs came as officers extended their operations to Rivers State, acting on statements made by Okechukwu Ogbonna, 65, and Ezeonuji Charles, 52, both under investigation. Between July 23 and July 28, officers conducted a follow-up operation in Port Harcourt, resulting in the arrest of Udofia Richard and Richard Arinzechukwu Nwaomu. The two vehicles recovered during this raid were traced back to robbery operations tied to the suspects.

Back in Enugu, additional arrests were made on July 21 in Umuasi Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area. Suspects picked up during that raid include Stephen Chidiebere (aka Shaggy), Arinze Udeh (aka Anonymous), and Onuigbo Kingsley. These arrests followed the earlier capture of one Ikemefuna Ani (aka Majority), a 31-year-old connected to cultism and armed robbery. The recovered double-barreled gun was allegedly used in previous crimes, and investigators have connected this group to the Black Axe Confraternity.

One of the more brazen incidents occurred on July 15, when a taxi driver was robbed at gunpoint, or what seemed to be one. At about 10:20 a.m., a joint team from the Ogui Division and the Neighbourhood Watch apprehended Ifeanyi Ede, 30, shortly after he and an accomplice used a Spark-L electronic lighter disguised as a pistol to rob a cab driver. The driver had picked them up in Independence Layout and was heading to Ogui when they struck at 2:20 a.m., stealing ₦30,000, a phone, a car key, and an ATM card. While Ede was caught swiftly, his accomplice managed to flee and remains at large.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad for their methodical and relentless pursuit of these criminal networks. He praised their professionalism and urged them to maintain the pressure on cult and robbery gangs across the state.

He also reassured residents that the Enugu State Police Command remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives and property. He emphasized that the suspects would face the full weight of the law once investigations are completed.

SP Ndukwe confirmed that the suspects are still in custody and will be formally charged once all legal and procedural steps are fulfilled. He encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing useful information.