Lucy Tawo
Enugu, Nigeria — The Enugu State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in the last 17 months, with 6,240 suspects arrested and 211 kidnapped victims rescued across the State.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, AIG Miller Gajere Dantawaye, on a working visit to the Command Headquarters in Enugu.
Speaking to officers, CP Giwa said the achievements covered the period from March 11, 2025, when he assumed office, to date. Within the period, the Command also recovered 156 firearms and 1,486 rounds of assorted ammunition.
A breakdown of the arrests shows 158 suspects for kidnapping, 186 for armed robbery, 188 for murder, 57 for rape and defilement, 273 for cultism, and 63 for unlawful possession of firearms.
Another 5,315 suspects were arrested for other offences including stealing, breaking and vandalism.
The CP added that recovered exhibits included 43 AK-47 rifles, one G-3 assault rifle, and 209 vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles.
He attributed the gains to sustained intelligence-led operations, proactive policing and inter-state collaboration.
According to him, key to the success were the deployment of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, intensified border patrols under the Inspector-General of Police’s Handshake Patrol initiative, and improved emergency response through the Distress Response Squad and Command-and-Control Centre.
CP Giwa, however, appealed for continued support from the Zonal Headquarters in the areas of manpower, operational logistics and personnel welfare to sustain the tempo.
In his address, AIG Dantawaye commended the Command for the results but charged officers and men to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and ethical conduct at all times.
He urged them to adhere strictly to Force regulations and respect citizens’ rights while discharging their constitutional duties.
“Your responsibility is to protect lives and property and sustain public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. I am committed to working with you to further strengthen security in Enugu State,” the AIG said.
The engagement, held at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Enugu, was attended by officers and men of the Command across all ranks and formations.
