Police operatives in Enugu State have rescued a suspected armed robber from a violent mob and recovered a locally made pistol from him. The incident occurred on the night of Saturday, June 8, around 8:00 p.m. in the Independence Layout area of the state capital.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the rescue operation was based on credible intelligence and swift response by a joint team of officers from the Independence Layout Division, the Anti-Cultism Squad, and members of the local Neighbourhood Watch group.
SP Ndukwe explained that the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed for security reasons, was caught by residents and beaten severely before police officers arrived to intervene.
“A locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspect, while his accomplices fled the scene,” Ndukwe stated. “He is currently receiving medical treatment due to the injuries he sustained from the mob attack.”
Further investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, a known cult group often linked to criminal activities including armed robbery and violence in many parts of the country. The police say they are continuing efforts to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, has praised the timely efforts of the police officers and the support of the community that led to the arrest. However, he also used the opportunity to warn against acts of jungle justice.
“While we appreciate the assistance of the community in fighting crime, we strongly condemn any form of mob action or jungle justice,” the Commissioner said. “Such actions can jeopardize investigations and deny victims the justice they deserve. We urge citizens to always hand over suspects to law enforcement agencies.”
This incident comes as concerns about rising cases of mob justice continue to grow across Nigeria. In recent years, several suspects have been killed by angry mobs before police could intervene, often without proof of their guilt. Human rights groups have repeatedly called on both the public and government to take stronger measures to end the trend.
In Enugu State, the police have stepped up community policing efforts, working closely with vigilante and neighbourhood watch groups to curb crimes like cultism, robbery, and kidnapping. Authorities say collaboration between security agencies and the public is key to maintaining peace and order.
Meanwhile, police are urging anyone with information about the fleeing suspects involved in the June 8 incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. They promise that all tips will be treated with confidentiality.
The rescued suspect is expected to face prosecution once he recovers and investigations are concluded.
