5,895 suspects arrested, 168 kidnap victims rescued in one year — Enugu CP

Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commissioner of Police in Enugu State, has disclosed that the state police command arrested 5,895 suspects for various criminal offences and rescued 168 kidnapped victims within the past year.

Giwa made the disclosure Wednesday while briefing journalists to mark his first year in office, noting that the achievements were made possible through proactive and intelligence-driven policing strategies.

According to him, since assuming duty on March 11, 2025, the command arrested 148 suspects for armed robbery, 129 for kidnapping and 158 for murder-related offences.

He added that 48 suspects were apprehended for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, while 39 others were arrested for rape and defilement across different communities in the state.

The commissioner said the command also intensified its crackdown on cultism and drug-related crimes, leading to the arrest of 210 suspects linked to cult activities, illicit drug trafficking and other related offences.

“Additionally, 5,163 suspects were arrested for offences such as stealing, vandalism, human trafficking, fraud and house-breaking. In total, five thousand, eight hundred and ninety-five suspects were arrested in the past one year,” he stated.

On rescue operations, Giwa revealed that 168 abducted victims were rescued during coordinated security operations carried out across various parts of the state.

He further disclosed that several dangerous weapons were recovered during the operations, including 105 firearms among them 22 AK-47 rifles and one G-3 automatic rifle — as well as 665 rounds of live ammunition. A total of 118 stolen, snatched or abandoned vehicles were also recovered.

The police boss noted that in a recent operation, 12 kidnapped victims were rescued from the Efeche Forest in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area after operatives acted on credible intelligence.

“Follow-up sting operations led to the arrest of three suspects who were positively identified by the rescued victims as members of the gang responsible for their abduction,” he said, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the group.

Giwa also disclosed that police operatives disrupted a cult initiation ceremony linked to the Black Axe Confraternity in a forest in Udenu Local Government Area, where 13 suspects were arrested and several exhibits recovered.

“The suspects, on sighting the operatives, engaged them in sporadic gunfire but were subdued and arrested. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who escaped from the scene,” he added.

On sexual offences, the commissioner revealed that 39 suspects were arrested for rape and defilement, including cases involving incest across different communities in the state.

Giwa also spoke on prosecution of criminal cases, said the command had made significant progress in ensuring that suspects were brought to justice.

“Within the period under review, 1,248 cases were prosecuted, 237 convictions were secured, while 368 cases are still undergoing investigation,” he said.

He further noted that the command successfully provided security during several major events in the state, including the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, which attracted over 20,000 lawyers to Enugu.

The commissioner stated that his administration remains focused on professionalism, discipline and people-oriented policing in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

“Upon my assumption of duty exactly one year ago, I pledged to entrench a policing system that is professional, proactive and people-oriented. These principles have since guided my leadership approach and shaped the strategic direction of the command in delivering on our mandate,” he said.

Giwa commended, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, governor of Enugu State, for his support, as well as other security agencies and residents for their cooperation in the fight against crime.

He reassured residents of the state of sustained security efforts.

“My commitment to frontally tackle security challenges in the state remains unwavering. I call on residents, community leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to continue supporting the efforts of the police in making Enugu State peaceful and safe for all,” he said.