5,895 Suspects Arrested, 168 Kidnap Victims Rescued in One Year — Enugu CP
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, on Wednesday disclosed that the command arrested 5,895 suspects for various criminal offences and rescued 168 kidnapped victims within the past one year through proactive and intelligence-led policing.
Giwa made the disclosure during a press briefing held at the State Police Command Headquarters, Enugu, while reviewing the achievements of the command since he assumed duty on March 11, 2025.
He said his administration had focused on professionalism, discipline and people-oriented policing in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to him, “upon my assumption of duty exactly one year ago, I pledged to entrench a policing system that is professional, proactive and people-friendly. These principles have since guided my leadership approach and shaped the strategic direction of the command in delivering on our mandate.”
The police commissioner noted that the command’s proactive approach to crime prevention had resulted in significant operational successes and improved security across the state.
“Over the past one year, we have made proactive policing the main thrust of our crime-fighting strategy. While a few isolated incidents may have occurred beyond our preventive control, we have consistently responded with swift and effective remedial actions. Our success stories are numerous and reflect the relative calm currently enjoyed in Enugu State,” he said.
Providing details of arrests made during the period under review, Giwa said 148 suspects were arrested for armed robbery, 129 for kidnapping, and 158 for murder-related offences. He added that 48 suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, while 39 suspects were apprehended for rape or defilement.
He further disclosed that the command intensified its crackdown on cultism and drug-related crimes, leading to the arrest of 210 suspects linked to cult activities, illicit drug trafficking and related offences.
According to him, “5,163 other suspects were arrested for offences such as stealing, vandalism, human trafficking, fraud and house-breaking. On the whole, five thousand, eight hundred and ninety-five suspects were arrested in the past one year.”
On rescue operations, the police commissioner said 168 abducted victims were successfully rescued during coordinated security operations carried out across different parts of the state.
He explained that several dangerous weapons were also recovered during the operations.
“One hundred and five firearms, including twenty-two AK-47 rifles and one G-3 automatic rifle, were recovered. We also recovered six hundred and sixty-five rounds of live ammunition and one hundred and eighteen stolen, snatched or abandoned vehicles,” he stated.
Giwa highlighted some recent operations carried out by the command, including the rescue of 12 kidnapped victims in Efeche Forest in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area after police operatives acted on credible intelligence.
“Follow-up sting operations led to the arrest of three suspects who were positively identified by the rescued victims as members of the gang responsible for their abduction,” he said, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
The police boss also disclosed that 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.
“The suspects, on sighting the operatives, engaged them in sporadic gunfire but were subdued and arrested. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who escaped from the scene,” he added.
On sexual offences, the CP revealed that 39 suspects were arrested for rape or defilement, including cases involving rape, defilement and incest across different communities in the state.
Speaking on prosecution of criminal cases, Giwa said the command had made significant progress in ensuring that suspects were brought to justice.
“Within the period under review, one thousand, two hundred and forty-eight cases were prosecuted, two hundred and thirty-seven convictions were secured, while three hundred and sixty-eight cases are still undergoing investigation,” he said.
The commissioner also noted that the command successfully provided security during several major events in the state, including the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association which attracted over 20,000 lawyers to Enugu.
He commended the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, sister security agencies and residents of the state for their support in the fight against crime.
Reassuring residents of sustained security efforts, Giwa said, “my commitment to frontally tackle security challenges in the state remains unwavering. I call on residents, community leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to continue supporting the efforts of the police in making Enugu State peaceful and safe for all.”
He further noted that erring officers of the command have no protection under his watch and urged residents to find ways to report acts of misconduct by any officer caught in the act.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
