Enugu: Police Arrested 6,240 Suspects In 17 Months – CP

Enugu State Police Command has arrested 6,240 suspects in 17 months, the commissioner of police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa. has said.

While highlighting the command’s 17-month activities, since his assumption of office on March 11, 2025, Giwa said within the period, the command recovered 156 firearms and 1,486 rounds of assorted ammunition as well as rescued 211 kidnapped victims.

The commissioner spoke when he received the assistant inspector-general of police (AIG), Zone 13, Miller Gajere Dantawaye, who was on a working visit to the command.

He said the arrests comprised 158 kidnapping suspects, 186 armed robbery suspects, 188 murder suspects, 57 detained for rape and defilement while 273 were held for cultism.

The list also include 63 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms and 5,315 for other offences, such as stealing, breaking and vandalism.

He added that the firearms recovered included 43 AK-47 rifles and one G-3 assault rifle, while 209 vehicular exhibits, comprising motor vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles, were also recovered.

The commissioner attributed the achievements to sustained intelligence-led operations, proactive policing and inter-state security collaboration, highlighting the deployment of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), intensified border patrols under the inspector-general of police’s “Handshake Patrol” initiative, and enhanced emergency response through the Distress Response Squad and Command-and-Control Centre.

He also solicited continued Zonal support, particularly in manpower, operational logistics and personnel welfare.

Addressing personnel of the Enugu State Police Command, AIG Dantawaye charged them to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and ethical conduct, with strict adherence to Force regulations and respect for citizens’ rights. He urged them to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities and sustain public confidence in the Police, while expressing his readiness to work with all personnel to further strengthen security in Enugu State.

The engagement, held at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu, was attended by officers and men of the Enugu State Command cutting across all ranks and formations.