On Thursday, the Enugu State Police Command announced that it had detained 123 suspects between July and August 2024. These arrests were made in connection with various crimes, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, vandalism, theft, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and cultism.
At a press conference held at the command’s headquarters, Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu disclosed that several incriminating items were seized during these operations across the state. He added that many suspects have been charged and are being held at Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centres.
Uzuegbu praised the state’s residents for their cooperation but urged them to continue providing timely and actionable information to enhance security.
The arrest breakdown includes 123 suspects and 19 victims of kidnapping and abduction who were rescued. The recovered items include 15 AK-47 and assault rifles, 25 pump-action guns, 35 other firearms, 710 rounds of live ammunition, 187 live cartridges, 17 motor vehicles, 11 tricycles, and 8 motorcycles.
Uzuegbu also confirmed the attack on a police checkpoint that resulted in the deaths of four officers but refuted claims of kidnapping near the Enugu State College of Health Technology, Oji-River. He clarified that the four individuals allegedly kidnapped on August 14, 2024, were rescued and returned to their families.
He further mentioned that the suspects involved are under interrogation, and the source of the false panic news has been identified and apologized. Additionally, attempts by IPOB/ESN secessionists to attack police operatives on August 18, 2024, were thwarted by the authorities.
Uzuegbu commended Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah for demolishing properties used in abduction and kidnapping and urged citizens, especially landlords and business owners, to be vigilant about who they accommodate to prevent their properties from being misused.
The Commissioner also reported that on August 21, 2024, police operatives from the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad recovered an AK-47 rifle in New Artisan, Enugu.