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By Lukman Olabiyi
Security agencies in Enugu State have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against crime, arresting six notorious suspects on the state’s security watchlist and recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition during coordinated operations across the state.
The recovered weapons include 17 AK-47 rifles, a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a rocket-propelled rifle, a tear-gas gun, 12 AK-47 magazines, two hand grenades, three tear-gas canisters, and 1,071 rounds of ammunition.
Security operatives also seized assorted military-style uniforms and four lanyards.
Governor Peter Mbah disclosed this on Friday while inspecting the recovered weapons at the Enugu State headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The governor said the arrested suspects were linked to several violent crimes and security breaches in the state, including the killing of security personnel in an attack that occurred in December last year.
According to him, the latest arrests marked a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
“We have always maintained that there is no hiding place for criminals in Enugu State. If you commit a crime here, no matter how long it takes, we will identify you, apprehend you and ensure that justice is served,” Mbah said.
He noted that some suspects connected to the December attack had previously been arrested, while the six suspects now in custody were among those who had remained at large despite the bounty placed on them by the state government.
The governor commended security agencies for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication, describing the arrests as a victory for collective efforts to secure lives and property.
“What we are witnessing today is the triumph of vigilance, hard work and dedication to duty. The sacrifices made by officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty have not been in vain,” he added.
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Mbah attributed the success of the operation to the state’s sustained investment in modern security infrastructure and technology, stressing that the deployment of advanced surveillance and intelligence systems had significantly enhanced crime detection and prevention.
“It is reassuring for the people of Enugu State that our investment in security is yielding results. Many crimes are being thwarted before they occur because of the combination of technology and the commitment of our security personnel,” he said.
The governor issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating within or planning to infiltrate the state, urging them to leave or face the full force of the law.
He also charged landlords and property owners to carry out proper background checks on prospective tenants, warning that the government would continue to prosecute property owners who fail in that responsibility and demolish buildings linked to violent crimes.
“The law places a duty on landlords to know who they are renting their properties to. Ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse,” he warned.
Mbah further praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through the rehabilitation of security training institutions and backing the establishment of state police.
As Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Revamp of Security Training Institutions, the governor revealed that funds had already been released for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of training facilities across the country.
He also commended the House of Representatives for passing the State Police Bill, describing it as a critical step toward improving security management at the sub-national level.
“The establishment of state police will help states take greater responsibility for securing their territories and addressing local security challenges more effectively,” he said.
Among those who received the governor during the inspection were the Enugu State Director of the DSS, Humphery Ohikhuare; Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa; Garrison Commander of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Garba Suru; and other senior security officials.
