The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has disclosed that the Command has arrested a total of 5,895 suspects for various criminal offences over the past year.
Addressing a press briefing on Wednesday to mark his first anniversary in office, the CP noted that the arrests covered a wide range of crimes, including 148 for armed robbery, 129 for kidnapping, 158 for murder, and 210 for cultism and drug-related offences.
He emphasised that the achievements resulted from a proactive and intelligence-driven policing strategy aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
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Reviewing the Command’s operational successes, Giwa revealed that 168 kidnapped victims were rescued from various forest hideouts during the period under review. He cited several recent operations, including the rescue of 12 victims from a forest in Igbo-Eze North on March 6, 2026, following a joint operation with the military and local vigilante groups.
According to the Commissioner, “while some suspects fled during the encounter, follow-up sting operations led to the arrest of three gang members who were positively identified by the victims.”
The police chief also reported significant recoveries of arms and ammunition, stating that 105 firearms, including 22 AK-47 rifles and one G-3 automatic rifle, were intercepted by his men.
“Additionally, 665 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres and 118 stolen or snatched vehicles were recovered within the last twelve months,” Giwa stated.
He also disclosed that the Command had intensified its “bush-combing” operations, particularly in the border forests between Enugu and Benue States, where several kidnappers were neutralised during gun battles with police operatives.
Addressing cases of sexual violence and domestic crimes, the CP confirmed the arrest of 39 suspects for rape or defilement. Among the cases mentioned was the arrest of an 18-year-old for allegedly raping a neighbour’s wife and a 30-year-old man accused of impregnating his 12-year-old ward.
He also detailed a disturbing case of incest in which a father was apprehended for allegedly abusing his two daughters aged 17 and 12, assuring that all suspects would face the full weight of the law once investigations were concluded.
Cultism remains a major concern for the Command, as shown by the recent disruption of an initiation ceremony of the Black Axe Confraternity at the Owerre-Eze Orba forest near Nsukka. During the raid on March 9, 2026, thirteen suspects were arrested after a shootout with the Anti-Cultism and Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squads.
Items recovered at the scene included four firearms, 37 cartridges, 45 motorcycles, and three vehicles, indicating the scale of the organised criminal gathering.
CP Giwa attributed the relative peace in the state to the strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, whose leadership emphasises professionalism and respect for human rights.
He maintained that officers who deviated from these ethical standards over the past year faced strict disciplinary measures, stressing that the foundation of modern policing is accountability and respect for citizens’ dignity.
The Commissioner also highlighted the Command’s role in providing security for several high-profile events held in Enugu during his tenure. He cited the successful hosting of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference, which attracted more than 20,000 lawyers, as well as the South-East Vision 2050 Stakeholders Forum.
According to him, the hitch-free conduct of these events demonstrates the effectiveness of the current security architecture in the state.
On the judicial front, Giwa informed journalists that 1,248 cases had been prosecuted in court within the past year, resulting in 237 convictions.
The Commissioner added that 368 cases were still under active investigation, while other suspects remain remanded in correctional facilities.
He reassured the public that the Command is working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure swift prosecution of criminal cases.
Regarding the fight against narcotics, the CP said the Command had strengthened collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb the trafficking of illicit substances.
He reported the seizure of large quantities of cannabis sativa, tramadol, and methamphetamine, locally known as “Mkpuru-mmiri.” Giwa linked rising violent crimes to drug abuse among youths and pledged to continue targeting drug distribution networks.
The CP expressed appreciation to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for providing the enabling environment and resources for the police to operate effectively. He commended the governor’s security-focused leadership, which has improved collaboration between security agencies and community groups such as the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards.
He also praised the resilience of his officers and men, reminding them that the “reward for good work is more work.” He urged them to remain committed to their duties and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of the Force.
The Commissioner emphasised that public support through credible intelligence remains the Command’s most effective tool in combating crime.
In his concluding remarks, Giwa called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organisations to sustain their partnership with the police.
He stressed that security is a collective responsibility and that the progress recorded so far can only be sustained through a united effort against criminal elements threatening the peace of the state.
The press briefing ended with the display of some recovered arms and the parade of recently arrested suspects before journalists.
CP Giwa reiterated that the “proactive policing” strategy of the Command would continue, promising intensified patrols and intelligence-gathering in the coming months.
He thanked the media for their balanced reporting and for serving as a bridge between the police and residents of Enugu State.
As the state enters the second quarter of 2026, the Command has indicated plans to expand surveillance to more rural communities.
CP Giwa assured residents that every part of the state is being monitored to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities and urged law-abiding citizens to go about their daily activities without fear, as the police remain fully committed to their safety.