Governor of Enugu state , Dr Peter Mbah has announced a major breakthrough in Enugu State’s fight against violent crime following the arrest of six notorious criminals on the state’s security watch list and the recovery of a large cache of sophisticated weapons and ammunition during joint security operations.
The suspects, linked to several deadly security breaches in the state, were captured by security agencies in coordinated operations that also led to the seizure of 17 AK-47 rifles, a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a rocket-propelled rifle, grenades, tear-gas canisters and 1,071 rounds of ammunition.
Gov Mbah speaking
Speaking on Friday while inspecting the recovered arms at the Enugu headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), Governor Mbah said the arrests marked another significant victory against criminal elements terrorising parts of the state.
According to him, some of the suspects were among those who had been on the run after participating in attacks that claimed the lives of security personnel last December.
“First of all, I would like to acknowledge and salute the gallantry of our security agents. What we are witnessing here today is the triumph of vigilance, the triumph of hard work, and the triumph of dedication to duty,” the governor said.
The recovered armunitions and the suspects
Recalling the killing of security officers in the state, Mbah noted that his administration had placed bounties on the perpetrators and vowed that none would escape justice.
“We have before now been able to apprehend some of the criminals who participated in that heinous act. The people we have here today are those who have been on the run.
“But we have always said in Enugu State that we have no room for criminals. And if you commit crime here, no matter how long it takes, we must identify you, we must get you, and we must ensure that you are brought to justice,” he stated.
The governor said the latest success underscored the effectiveness of the state’s investment in modern security infrastructure and intelligence-driven policing.
Gov Mbah and some security operatives
“It is also heartwarming for me and the people of Enugu State that the investment we have made in the security sector, and the cooperation and dedication of our security agencies in the state, is paying off.
“We can see results with this tracking of criminal elements and cracking of criminal gangs. I am sure the people of Enugu State can now sleep knowing that we have their backs covered,” he said.
Mbah stressed that security remained a top priority of his administration, insisting that no amount invested in protecting lives and property could be considered excessive.
He also issued a stern warning to criminal elements still operating within the state.
“To the criminals out there, we do not have room for you. I can also assure you that if you come in here and commit crime, no matter how long it takes, we must identify you, we must get you, and we must ensure that you are brought to justice,” he warned.
The governor further charged landlords and property owners to conduct thorough background checks on prospective tenants, warning that ignorance would no longer be accepted as a defence where properties are linked to criminal activities.
“You cannot be exculpated on the ground that you said that you did not know. The law has placed the duty on you. You must ensure that you know who you are giving your house to as a landlord,” he emphasised.
Mbah also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen national security through the rehabilitation of security training institutions and the push for state policing.
“We have received the funds to ensure that all the training institutions for our security agencies are rehabilitated and reconstructed. What that means is that we are going to also have standardisation of training across the country,” he said.
The governor equally welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives, describing it as a critical step toward enhancing internal security across the federation.
“I commend them. This will essentially help us to eliminate the tragedy of the commons. And I believe as a state, we must take full responsibility to ensure that we provide effective security within our borders,” he said.
Security officials present during the inspection included the DSS State Director, Humphery Ohikhuare; Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa; Garrison Commander of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Garba Suru, and other senior officers.
