Operatives of the Enugu Police Command have arrested 288 suspects involved in different criminal activities, recovered 173 ammunitions, and rescued 36 Kidnapped victims , just as the Command’s Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa has expressed determination to promote professionalism and run a people -friendly policing in the command .
He disclosed that on Thursday, at the Enugu Police headquarters, while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command since he assumed office as the Commissioner of Police in the state.
Giwa who assumed office on March 11,2025, added that some stolen vehicles were also recovered.,
Giving the breakdown , he said the suspects showed that 44 are for armed robbery, 33 kidnapping, 12 murder, 6 for illegal possession of firearms, 5 rape and defilement, 44 cultism and 149 for other crimes.Also, the Command recovered 44 firearms, 173 ammunitions.
Pix: CP Giwa
The Commissioner said his mission was to run a people -centered policing , warning Policemen in the Command against extortion of citizens,,saying that any police found wanting will be punished according to the law. He urged citizens to report any police involved in any corrupt practices through any means that could reach his office. Giwa said he had dealt with such acts within a short while of his assumption of office .
“I have convened meetings with my management team, area commanders, heads of tactical and operational units, and sectional heads. I made it unequivocally clear that unprofessional conduct, corruption, extortion, harassment, or intimidation of citizens will not be tolerated under my watch.
“Any officer found culpable will face severe disciplinary action.Specifically, I have directed that extortion of citizens before case documentation and handling must cease immediately and that officers must refrain from meddling in civil matters, particularly land disputes, and instead explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and restorative justice where applicable.
” I further warned them against unlawful arrest and prolonged detention without recourse to extant laws.I also emphasized the need for police officers to be emotionally intelligent and to put a human face to their work, while coming down hard on unrepentant criminals and violators of our laws.
On action taken against some corrupt policemen in the Command, CP Giwa said,
.”Recently, the Command received a complaint via X (formerly Twitter) alleging the extortion of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦250,000.00) by police officers attached to the Distress Response Squad (DRS). I immediately directed that the case be investigated and that the officers involved be tried in an Orderly Room proceeding.
“Once the trial process is concluded and the necessary approval is obtained from the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 13, since one of the team members holds the rank of Inspector, the public will be duly informed of the punishment imposed.
“I have also ensured the redeployment of several supervisory officers and their subordinates who have conducted themselves unprofessionally to serve as a deterrent to others.
“I assure the public that I will spare no effort in instilling discipline within the Command and in upholding the ethics and codes that guide the activities of the Nigeria Police Force as a disciplined institution. However, I seek the continued cooperation and support of all citizens in this regard”, he said..
On Proactive policing and government support to enhance security, the Commissioner of Police said : ” We are leveraging the state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre and Distress Response Squad (DRS) established by the Enugu State Government under His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah”.
According to him, these initiatives equipped with modern technology, will be maximally utilized for effective policing. So far, we have started reaping the expected fruits of these initiatives in our operations.
“Additionally, we are revitalizing community policing strategies to foster a people-centered approach. Recently, I hosted a town hall meeting with key security stakeholders in commemoration of National Police Day, where we addressed concerns and gathered valuable feedback. Such engagements will continue to be held periodically to strengthen police-public relations.
“Furthermore, I have mandated my Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to fully implement community policing strategies within their areas of responsibility. I also charged them to, by all legitimate means, engage the Neighbourhood Watch Group, Forest Guards, local hunters, and other credible members of their communities to achieve the expected policing results”, Giwa said.
On the security situation, he said, “Enugu State remains largely peaceful, though we face isolated security challenges, including Herder-farmer-induced crimes in some parts of the State, and occasional cases of kidnapping and armed robbery. However, we have implemented robust measures to curb these crimes and ensure the security and safety of all residents.Unfortunately, we have continued to come across sensational and misleading media reports about security incidents, including some that never occurred in Enugu State.
Urging the media on objectives reportage, CP Giwa said,
“We recognize the strength and importance of the media, especially social media, in disseminating information in this digital age. However, the timing, purpose, and method of reporting security incidents must be carefully scrutinized to avoid causing unnecessary panic and creating false impressions in the minds of unsuspecting citizens through misleading or false reports”
Condemning fake news, the Enugu Command Commissioner said , ” Fake news is real, and its negative impact on people’s lives and mental well-being cannot be overemphasized.
“Therefore, I urge those responsible for creating and spreading fake news, especially on social media, to stop forthwith. Such actions have serious legal consequences, and we will not hesitate to pursue them against anyone found culpable.I encourage all journalists, including citizen journalists and netizens in Enugu State, to engage in responsible media practices.
“Please verify information before posting or sharing any security-related content, particularly on social media.I urge you to maintain objectivity, accuracy, and balance, resisting sensationalism and indiscriminate use of social media in security reporting”, he said.
Calling for the support of the media, the CP said media support and cooperation are crucial as the police continue to intensify efforts to combat emerging crimes in the State.
There was a display of weapons , army , police and neighbourhood watch uniforms and other items recovered from the suspects.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama