On August 23, 2024, the Enugu State Police Command announced a major breakthrough in their ongoing efforts to combat crime in the region. Over the course of July and August 2024, the police apprehended a total of 123 suspects involved in various criminal activities, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, vandalism, theft, illegal possession of firearms, and cultism.
During a press conference held at the police command’s headquarters, Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu provided detailed insights into the operations that led to these arrests. He highlighted that thorough investigations and intelligence-gathering efforts were key to the successful apprehension of these individuals. The police operations not only resulted in the arrests but also in the recovery of a significant number of incriminating exhibits, which were essential in building cases against the suspects.
Uzuegbu reported that among the 123 suspects, 19 victims of kidnapping and abduction were rescued during this period. He detailed the substantial cache of weapons and equipment seized, including 15 AK-47 and assault rifles, 25 pump-action guns, 35 other firearms, 710 rounds of live ammunition of various calibers, and 187 live cartridges. Additionally, the police recovered 17 motor vehicles, 11 tricycles, and 8 motorcycles, further showcasing the scale of their operations.
In addressing recent violent incidents, Uzuegbu confirmed the tragic attack on a police checkpoint that resulted in the deaths of four officers at the hands of hoodlums. However, he clarified misinformation regarding the alleged kidnapping of individuals near the Enugu State College of Health Technology in Oji-River. The Commissioner stated that the four individuals reportedly kidnapped on August 14, 2024, were successfully rescued and reunited with their families, and the suspects involved in this incident have been apprehended and are currently undergoing interrogation.
The Commissioner also addressed the issue of misinformation, revealing that the individual responsible for spreading false panic regarding these incidents had been traced and was apologizing for the harmful rumors. Additionally, he spoke about thwarting planned attacks by secessionist groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which aimed to target police operatives along the Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway.
Uzuegbu commended the proactive measures taken by the Enugu State Government, led by His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, in demolishing structures used for harboring criminals involved in abduction and kidnapping. He urged citizens, particularly landlords, hoteliers, and owners of uncompleted buildings, to be vigilant about who they accommodate, emphasizing that harboring criminals could lead to serious repercussions, including the demolition of properties.
To further illustrate the ongoing efforts in crime reduction, Uzuegbu mentioned a recent operation on August 21, 2024, where police operatives from the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad successfully recovered an AK-47 rifle in the New Artisan area of Enugu.
As the Enugu State Police Command continues to implement strategies to enhance public safety, they remain reliant on the cooperation of the community. Commissioner Uzuegbu urged residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to assist the police in their mission to create a safer environment for all. The collective efforts of the police and the public will play a crucial role in the ongoing fight against crime in Enugu State.
