The Enugu State Police Command has identified shortages of personnel, logistics and operational equipment as major obstacles affecting effective policing, particularly in rural communities and remote parts of the state.
Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa disclosed this while welcoming the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during his official visit to the Enugu State Police Command headquarters.
Giwa explained that although the command remains committed to protecting lives and property, the transfer of officers without adequate replacements, coupled with limited logistics, mobility resources and welfare challenges, has reduced operational efficiency in some areas.
He noted that these limitations are most evident in rural communities, farming settlements and difficult-to-access locations where security presence is often more challenging.
Despite these setbacks, the commissioner said the command has continued to record significant successes through intelligence-led policing and proactive security operations carried out between March and June 2026.
According to him, police arrested 421 suspects for various crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, cultism and illegal possession of firearms. The breakdown includes 13 kidnapping suspects, 21 armed robbery suspects, 18 murder suspects, 22 suspects linked to rape and defilement, 23 involved in cult-related offences, and 26 arrested for unlawful possession of firearms. An additional 296 suspects were apprehended for offences such as attempted murder, stealing, forgery, vandalism and child trafficking.
Giwa also disclosed that security operatives rescued 23 kidnapped victims during the period and recovered 51 firearms, including 10 AK-47 rifles, along with 348 rounds of assorted ammunition.
He added that officers recovered 76 vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles connected to criminal activities, as well as several exhibits including dangerous weapons, electronic gadgets and illicit drugs.
Among the command’s notable achievements was the rescue of a kidnapped woman from Agu Orba Forest in Udenu Local Government Area. During the operation, one suspect was neutralised while weapons were recovered.
The commissioner further revealed that police dismantled a kidnapping syndicate that used online platforms to lure victims before demanding ransom. The operation led to the rescue of a victim and the arrest of a suspect linked to an earlier abduction case.
Joint operations involving the police, other security agencies, Forest Guards and neighbourhood watch groups also resulted in the recovery of several AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition and other weapons from suspected kidnappers operating in parts of Enugu East and the Obollo-Afor axis.
Giwa reaffirmed the command’s determination to combat criminal groups exploiting IPOB and ESN separatist activities, as well as violence arising from farmer-herder conflicts, to carry out criminal acts.
While describing Enugu as one of the most peaceful states in the South-East, he appealed for additional manpower, operational vehicles, logistics support and improved welfare for officers to strengthen the command’s capacity to address emerging security challenges.
He assured residents that the police would continue to rely on intelligence-driven, technology-based and community-focused policing strategies to maintain peace and enhance public safety across the state.
