The Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest of 123 suspected criminals between July and August 2024.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Kanayo Uzuegbu made the disclosure while briefed journalists on the operational activities of the command between July and August 2024 at the police headquarters in Enugu.
Uzuegbu stated that the suspects were arrested for allegedly perpetrating acts of terrorism, murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other crimes in the state.
The CP vowed that the Police will keep hitting the criminals hard until they either repent or vacate Enugu State.
The Commissioner disclosed that on August 15, 2024, at about 2 a.m., operational and tactical Police Operatives of the Command raided the camp of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, ESN at Aninwede Nkwubor, Emene, Enugu.
He added that the criminal elements on sighting the operatives, opened fire on them but the operatives returned fire at a superior level, neutralising two of them, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Uzuegbu further said that incriminating exhibits, including firearms the hoodlums snatched from security operatives after attacking them were recovered, while discreet investigations were ongoing to arrest those at large.
He revealed that 15 Ak-47 assault rifles as well as 25 pump action guns were recovered from the suspects, while 19 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.
The Enugu police CP also applauded the Governor Peter Mbah-led state government for taking the bold and pragmatic steps of demolishing houses and facilities used in harbouring and perpetrating acts of abduction and kidnapping in the state.
“I also urge leaders, particularly our community and religious leaders, parents and guardians to continue to watch over their children and wards, and to discourage them from associating with criminal groups and their activities,” Uzuegbu said.
Soliciting the support of the media in the fight against criminal activities, he stressed, “As we remain resolute to deal ruthlessly with criminal elements in the State; to you gentlemen of the press, I say thank you for your unflinching support.
“Nevertheless, I urge you to continue to use your investigative prowess to support us and ensure you resist the temptation of becoming the fifth, instead of maintaining your enviable status as members of the fourth estate of the realm.
“This is because, working together, we can always have the safe, secured, peaceful and prosperous Enugu State we all desire.” (Leadership)