Enugu police arrest 5,895 suspects, rescue 168 kidnap victims in one year

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, says the command arrested 5,895 suspects for various criminal offences and rescued 168 kidnapped victims within the past one year through proactive and intelligence-driven policing operations across the state.

The commissioner disclosed this during a press briefing at the Enugu State Police Command Headquarters, while reviewing the command’s operational achievements since assuming office on March 11, 2025.

He explained that the command’s policing strategy within the period was anchored on professionalism, discipline and people-centred service delivery, in line with the operational vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

CP Giwa said the command adopted proactive policing as the central pillar of its crime-fighting strategy, leading to notable operational breakthroughs and improved security across the state.

Providing a breakdown of arrests made within the review period, the commissioner said 148 suspects were arrested for armed robbery, 129 for kidnapping and 158 for murder-related offences.

He added that 48 suspects were apprehended for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, while 39 suspects were arrested for rape or defilement cases across different communities in the state.

The police commissioner further disclosed that intensified operations against cultism and drug-related crimes resulted in the arrest of 210 suspects linked to cult activities, illicit drug trafficking and other related offences.

According to him, 5,163 other suspects were also arrested for crimes including stealing, vandalism, human trafficking, fraud and house-breaking.

On rescue operations, CP Giwa said 168 abducted victims were successfully rescued during coordinated security operations carried out across various parts of Enugu State.

He noted that the operations also led to the recovery of several dangerous weapons and stolen property.

The commissioner said 105 firearms, including 22 AK-47 rifles and one G-3 automatic rifle, were recovered, alongside 665 rounds of live ammunition and 118 stolen, snatched or abandoned vehicles.

Highlighting some recent operations, the commissioner said police operatives rescued 12 kidnapped victims from Efeche Forest in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area following credible intelligence.

He explained that subsequent sting operations led to the arrest of three suspects, who were positively identified by the rescued victims as members of the kidnapping gang, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

CP Giwa also disclosed that police operatives disrupted a cult initiation ceremony linked to the Black Axe confraternity in a forest in Udenu Local Government Area, where 13 suspects were arrested and several exhibits recovered.

He said the suspects engaged operatives in sporadic gunfire on sighting them but were subdued and taken into custody, while investigations continue to track down other fleeing members of the group.

On prosecution of criminal cases, the commissioner said the command recorded significant progress in ensuring offenders are brought to justice.

According to him, 1,248 cases were prosecuted within the period, 237 convictions were secured, while 368 cases remain under investigation.

CP Giwa also noted that the command successfully provided security for major events held in the state, including the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, which attracted more than 20,000 lawyers to Enugu.

The commissioner commended the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, sister security agencies and residents of the state for their cooperation and support in combating crime.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening security across the state and urged residents, community leaders and traditional rulers to continue supporting the police with credible information.

CP Giwa also warned that erring officers within the command would not be shielded from disciplinary action and encouraged residents to promptly report cases of misconduct involving police personnel.