The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 288 suspects, rescued 36 kidnap victims, and recovered 44 firearms in less than two months under the leadership of the new Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa.
CP Giwa, who assumed office on March 11, 2025, announced the achievements during his inaugural press briefing on Thursday, May 8, at the State Command Headquarters in GRA, Enugu.
Major Security Gains
CP Giwa detailed a series of major operations executed by tactical squads and divisions across the state. Highlights include:
Rescue of a kidnapped couple in Ezeagu Local Government Area. The suspects had demanded ₦10 million in ransom, but the victims were freed without payment.
Rescue of a 17-year-old girl who had been held captive since August 2024. The suspect, who confessed to the kidnapping, had collected ₦750,000 from the victim’s family.
Foiled kidnapping in Trans-Ekulu, leading to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and arrest of a suspect in Rivers State.
Arrest of a cult leader and armed robbery suspect in Nsukka, identified as a senior member of the Black Axe Confraternity. A Beretta pistol and stolen items were recovered.
Child trafficking bust involving the recovery of a 4-year-old girl in Abia State. Two women were arrested and charged.
In total, the Command recovered:
44 firearms
173 rounds of ammunition
20 vehicles used in criminal operations
Some of the recovered exhibits
Breakdown of Arrests
According to the Commissioner, the arrests span a wide range of criminal activities:
Armed robbery – 42 suspects
Kidnapping – 33
Murder – 12
Rape and defilement – 5
Cultism – 44
Theft, vandalism, and other crimes – 149
Police Reform and Accountability
Beyond crime-fighting, CP Giwa highlighted steps being taken to restore professionalism within the Command. He emphasized that corruption and extortion will not be tolerated.
He referenced a case involving operatives of the Distress Response Squad who allegedly extorted ₦250,000 from a citizen. Disciplinary proceedings are currently underway.
Several supervisory officers have already been redeployed for misconduct, the CP added, describing it as a “clear message that indiscipline will not be condoned.”
Community Policing and Tech Integration
The Commissioner also praised Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for providing modern policing infrastructure, including a Command-and-Control Centre and enhanced Distress Response capabilities.
“These assets are helping us to xirsinate rapid responses and improve surveillance,” he said.
Giwa also disclosed that town hall engagements have begun, with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) directed to implement community policing by working closely with Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards, and local hunters.
Tackling Fake News and Misinformation
CP Giwa expressed concern over the spread of fake news on social media and in certain sections of the press, warning of its potential to cause fear and damage security efforts.
“Fake news is real and we will pursue legal a tion against those who create and spread false reports especially when they misrepresent incidents that never happened in Enugu state,” he said.
He urged media practitioners to adhere to professional standards, verify reports, and avoid sensationalism.
“Security Is Everyone’s Business”
The Commissioner concluded his briefing by calling on residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies and to report any suspicious activity.
