Ember Month: Enugu CP Assures Crime-free Environment, Recounts Achievements On Fight Against Criminalities
The Commissioner of Police,Enugu State command, Mr Bitrus Giwa has assured residents of the state that the command will sustain its capacity in the fight against crimes and criminali ties.
In a comprehensive press briefing held at the Enugu State Police Command headquarters on Thursday, CP Giwa outlined his achievements over the past six months since taking office, noting that his tenure had been marked by significant strides in combating crime, enhancing public safety, and fostering community trust in the police force.
During the briefing, Commissioner Giwa announced the arrest of a total of 5,176 criminal suspects within his six months in the office, a remarkable feat reflecting the intensified efforts of the Enugu State Police command to tackle crime. He highlighted collaborative operations involving various police units, local vigilantes, and community leaders, which have contributed to the surge in successful arrests.
Acknowledging that it was an indication of a high wave of criminal intents among the people, he attributed it to economic hardship, laziness and the get-rich-quick syndrome on the side of the culprits.
Among the notable achievements, Giwa also noted the rescue of a total of 113 kidnap victims, asserting that the police remain committed to curbing the rising trend of kidnapping in the state “Our strategy has involved not just immediate response but proactive measures and intelligence gathering”, he stated, underscoring the importance of teamwork in addressing the wave of criminalities that had previously plagued the state.
The CP further acknowledged the doggedness and resilience of men of the Command in navigating certain security risks, citing the case of crackdown on four male criminal gang suspects from whom 15 vehicles were recovered.
“A recent case involved the arrest of four male suspects and the recovery of fifteen stolen vehicles. The criminal gang was responsible for multiple kidnappings of drivers, whom they abducted to unknown locations, forcibly withdrew funds from their accounts, and made away with their vehicles. The recovered vehicles were found in various states and locations, including Anambra and Rivers States, as well as Enugu and Nsukka.
“The same gang was behind the sporadic shooting and abduction of a male victim in his Mercedes Benz Jeep around 9:00 p.m. in May 2025 at the G.R.A., Enugu. Following my immediate directive, Tactical Teams were deployed to track and apprehend the criminals and rescue the victim. The operatives successfully rescued the victim, neutralized one of the gang members, while others escaped in the victims SUV, which was later recovered. Recall that a locally made double-barreled pistol loaded with two live cartridges and a green Nissan vehicle used in the operation were recovered”, he recounted.
He attributed the crime-free environment during the just concluded Annual General Conference by the Nigerian Bar Association hosting over 20,000 lawyers in Enugu, to the proactive and systematic policing strategies applied by the Command.
“The peaceful atmosphere throughout the conference was the result of deliberate and strategic security planning, coordination and execution. With the support of sister security agencies, the Enugu State Forest Guards, and the Neighbourhood Watch Group, we ensured visible and covert policing of all venues, accommodation facilities, and other public areas used by attendees.
“I am pleased to report that not a single crime was recorded before, during, or after the eventa feat widely acknowledged by participants and observers as remarkable”,CP Giwa acknowledged.
The Commissioner also addressed the relationship between the police force and the citizens of Enugu, calling for increased cooperation in the fight against crime. He urged residents to report suspicious activities and share information that could lead to the identification and arrest of criminal elements within their communities.
“The fight against crime is a collective effort. We need your support. The more information we have from you, the better we can protect our communities”, he said.
Moreover, Giwa took a moment to speak on an enduring issue that has caused public distrust in the police – corruption within the ranks. He encouraged residents to expose corrupt police officers and promised that the command would take swift disciplinary action against any officer found engaging in unethical practices. “We are reforming our internal processes to ensure accountability and integrity within the force.
“I have made it unequivocally clear that there is zero tolerance for extortion, corruption, or any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute. Officers have also been warned against interfering in civil matters, especially those involving land disputes. In such instances, they are encouraged to advise the parties involved to seek legal redress through the appropriate civil channels.
“Furthermore, have continued to remind our personnel of the need to be friendly and humane in their dealings with members of the public. I have emphasized the importance of exercising emotional and social intelligence while carrying out their duties. In my view, these qualities are essential to building and sustaining public trust in law enforcement”, Giwa stressed.
CP Giwa further reiterated the commitment of the Enugu State Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of residents while fostering an environment of trust. He urged the community to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies, assuring them that their contributions are invaluable in the quest for a safer society.
The CP assured residents of the state of the preparedness of the Command to ensure that no crime is recorded during the” Ember” period, stressing that, as we step into the Ember Monthsa period often characterised by increased commercial and social activitieswe have already begun preparations to ensure maximum public security and safety across the State”.
The Commissioner of Police took the journalists to the displayed exhibits recovered from the criminals outpowered by men of the command, and gave statistical explanations on the various operations that led to the recoveries, criminals involved, as well as levels investigations and prosecutions so far.
**As the economy continues to grow, so too does the demand for safety and security, making the relationship between law enforcement and citizens more critical than ever. Giwa’s assertive and transparent communication during the briefing reflects a new direction for the Enugu State Police, presenting an invitation for collaboration to ensure the wellbeing of all residents**.
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
