By Augustine Ehikioya
Exactly 6 months in the saddle, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Police Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has highlighted the achievements recorded in the State within the period.
He made public the exploits under his tenure during a press conference in Enugu State on Thursday 11th September, 2025.
Stressing that the proactive approach adopted has yielded impressive results in combating serious crimes across the State under his tenure, the CP gave the breakdown of the operational successes and notable cases.
During the briefing monitored by Security Watch Africa (SWA), he said “Within the six-month review period, we arrested a total of 5,176 suspects for various offences.
“Breakdown is as follows:
• 98 suspects were arrested for armed robbery,
• 87 for kidnapping,
• 50 for murder,
• 16 for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition,
• 11 for rape or defilement,
• 122 for cultism and related crimes, and
• 4,792 for other offences such as theft, vandalism, human trafficking, and burglary.
CP Giwa also disclosed that a total of 113 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued during the period.
He added “We also recovered 105 firearms, including 8 AK-47 and 1 G-3 automatic rifles, 271 rounds of ammunition, and 71 vehicles used in, or recovered from, various criminal activities.
“Many other incriminating exhibits were also recovered during the operations.”
According to him, among the most notable cases was the recent arrest of an 18-year-old suspect, Obodoagu Ikediekpere, and one other individual for the kidnapping and murder of his 5-year-old male second cousin, which was done through intelligence gathering and investigation.
He recalled another widely publicised case, the suspect, Obieze Levi, alias “E Dey Pray E Dey Show,” who was arrested alongside two other accomplices and charged with kidnapping and ritual murder.
“Additionally, two sisters—Juliet Chukwu and Ngozi Nancy Chukwu—were apprehended, arraigned in court and remanded for kidnapping a kinsman and collecting a ransom of ₦10,000,000, which was fully recovered.
“Furthermore, several intra- and inter-state armed robbery, kidnapping, vehicle snatching, and theft syndicates have been successfully dismantled.”
The operations, CP Giwa said, have led to the arrest of numerous suspects, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of stolen or snatched vehicles.
“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, he said, 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, neutralised one of the gang members, while others escaped in the victim’s 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 stated.
Speaking on another notable operation, he said an armed robbery attempt was foiled in the Independence Layout area of Enugu.
“One of the suspects was neutralised, and firearms were recovered.
Within the six months, CP Giwa disclosed that sixteen domestic and transnational human trafficking syndicates were also dismantled.
“Thirty-three (33) stolen or trafficked children and persons have been rescued, and several suspects apprehended.
“A notable case is the arrest of one Raymond Sunday Wonna (male, 30), who was intercepted while trafficking two female victims aged 18 and 16 to Ghana.
“The suspect was charged to court and subsequently remanded in correctional custody.”
He went on “One particularly disturbing case of homicide involved the murder of 22-year-old Deborah Sam-Praise Ememem at a hotel in Nsukka by her alleged boyfriend, Emmanuel Gambo, also aged 22, in June 2025.
“Acting on my directive, detectives from the State CID acted swiftly on intelligence, arrested the suspect at his lodge in Nsukka, and ensured his arraignment in court. He was also remanded in correctional custody.”
Many of these cases, he said, have already been charged to court, with the suspects remanded in Nigerian Correctional Service custody.
According to him, investigations are ongoing in several recent cases, and upon their conclusion, the cases will also be duly prosecuted in court.
He pointed out that a prime example of proactive success is the effective security management of the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which was recently held in Enugu.
“The week-long event attracted over twenty thousand lawyers, along with high-profile dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond. I am pleased to report that not a single crime was recorded before, during, or after the event—a feat widely acknowledged by participants and observers as remarkable.
“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.”
Continuing, CP Giwa said, “Another significant achievement has been the deployment of joint security teams to tackle the previously persistent herders-farmers-related crimes in communities of Isi-Uzo and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas.
“Since this intervention, relative peace, security, and order have been restored in those communities. Our efforts in these areas also included the use of non-kinetic strategies to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.”
He said that the state has also witnessed a marked reduction in violent acts carried out under the guise of secessionist agitation.
“This is attributable to the proactive and intelligence-driven enforcement strategies we have employed across the State.” he stated.
He, however noted that the operational achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable support and leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, as he acknowledged the unwavering commitment of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba, for providing the enabling environment for security to thrive.
Commending the law-abiding citizens, who have continued to provide credible intelligence and information that aided the operations, CP Giwa also appreciated the officers and men of the Command for their resilience and commitment to duty.
“I always remind them that the best reward for good work is more good work.” he stated
He also disclosed that the command has begun preparation for the “Ember Months”.
“As we step into the “Ember Months”—a period often characterized by increased commercial and social activities—we have already begun preparations to ensure maximum public security and safety across the State.”
CP Giwa also called on all stakeholders—residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and all security partners—to continue to support the efforts of the Police Command in making Enugu State peaceful and safe for all.
“Together, we can achieve and sustain a secure, peaceful, and thriving environment for the good of everyone in Enugu State.”
