Enugu Police Raid New Artisan Axis to Dismantle Major Drug Hub and Detain Criminal Suspect

Enugu State Police Command raids criminal hideouts in New Artisan, destroying drug hubs and detaining 29-year-old Francisco Olugba during a midnight operation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 3:59 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Tactical Strike Targets Known Criminal Enclave in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has successfully executed a targeted raid on suspected criminal hideouts located within the New Artisan axis, a strategic move aimed at dislodging organized crime networks. Operatives from the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad descended on the area around midnight on April 5 while conducting routine crime prevention patrols. This intervention resulted in the immediate dismantling of a localized drug bunk, which authorities believe served as a primary hub for illegal transactions and consumption in the region.

Detention of Suspect and Recovery of Illicit Materials

During the operation, police officers apprehended a 29-year-old individual identified as Francisco Olugba. In addition to the arrest, the tactical team conducted a thorough search of the premises, recovering significant quantities of a substance suspected to be marijuana. The search also yielded a variety of exhibits that suggest involvement in wider criminal activities, including 11 SIM cards from multiple telecommunication networks and a pair of scissors. These items are currently being processed as evidence to link the suspect to ongoing investigations within the state.

Dismantling of Makeshift Structures and Consumption Hubs

The raid extended beyond simple arrests, as police operatives took decisive action to destroy makeshift structures used for illicit purposes. According to official reports, the team cleared several hubs dedicated to drug peddling, effectively disrupting the logistical flow of criminal operations in New Artisan. By removing these temporary facilities, the command aims to prevent the re-establishment of criminal activities in the immediate vicinity and restore a sense of safety to the surrounding host community.