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The Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest of 123 suspects between July and August 2024, in connection with a range of serious crimes, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, and cultism.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Command’s Headquarters on Thursday, the State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, detailed the operations that led to these arrests. He revealed that numerous incriminating exhibits, including firearms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles, were recovered during the operations across the state.
Uzuegbu highlighted that several of the suspects have already been charged and remanded in custody at Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centres. He also commended the residents of Enugu State for their cooperation, noting that timely and actionable information from the public has been instrumental in enhancing security efforts. He urged the public to continue providing such information to help the police maintain safety in the state.
According to the crime summary report, the police successfully apprehended 123 suspects and rescued 19 victims of kidnapping and abduction during the period in question. The report also detailed the recovery of significant weaponry, including 15 AK-47 rifles, 25 pump-action guns, 35 other firearms, 710 rounds of live ammunition, and 187 live cartridges. Additionally, the police recovered 17 motor vehicles, 11 tricycles, and eight motorcycles.
While addressing the media, Uzuegbu confirmed a recent attack on a police checkpoint where four officers were tragically killed by hoodlums. However, he refuted reports of a purported kidnapping near the Enugu State College of Health Technology in Oji-River, stating that the four individuals, three of whom were not students, were rescued and reunited with their families. The suspects involved in the incident have been arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation.
Uzuegbu also debunked the spread of unwarranted panic by a false report and noted that the individual responsible for the misleading information has been traced and has since apologized for the act. In addition, he commended the swift action of police operatives in thwarting a planned attack by IPOB/ESN militants on August 18, 2024, along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The Police Commissioner praised the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, for its decisive action in demolishing buildings used for criminal activities, particularly those related to kidnapping. He urged landlords, hoteliers, and owners of uncompleted buildings to be vigilant about whom they allow on their premises to avoid harboring criminals, which could lead to the demolition of their properties.
