Security agencies in Enugu State have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against crime with the arrest of six suspected notorious criminals and the recovery of a large cache of weapons and ammunition during coordinated operations across the state.
Governor Peter Mbah disclosed the development on Friday while inspecting the recovered arms at the Enugu State headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the governor, the suspects were among individuals on the state’s security watch list and are believed to have been involved in several violent crimes and security breaches in Enugu.
The recovered items include 17 AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one rocket-propelled rifle, one tear-gas gun, 12 AK-47 magazines, two hand grenades, three tear-gas canisters, and 1,071 rounds of ammunition. Security operatives also seized various military-style uniforms and four lanyards during the operations.
Mbah, who was received by senior security officials including the State Director of the DSS, Humphery Ohikhuare, Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa, and the Garrison Commander of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Garba Suru, commended security personnel for their efforts in tracking down the suspects.
He described the arrests as a victory for vigilance, professionalism and dedication among security agencies operating in the state.
The governor recalled the killing of security personnel in December last year, noting that the state government had placed bounties on those responsible. He said some suspects linked to the incident had previously been apprehended, while the latest arrests involved individuals who had remained at large.
Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in Enugu, stressing that offenders would be tracked down and brought to justice regardless of how long it takes.
He also expressed satisfaction with the results being achieved through the state’s investment in modern security infrastructure, noting that technology and intelligence gathering had played significant roles in identifying and apprehending criminal suspects.
According to him, the collaboration between security agencies and the deployment of advanced surveillance systems have strengthened the state’s ability to detect and prevent criminal activities before they occur.
The governor assured residents that the government would continue investing in security and supporting law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and public safety across the state.
He also issued a warning to criminal elements still operating within the state, declaring that security agencies would continue to pursue and dismantle criminal networks until justice is served.
The arrests and weapons recovery are among the latest security successes recorded in Enugu as authorities intensify efforts to combat violent crime and enhance public safety.
