Enugu security operatives nab six wanted criminals, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles 

Security agencies in Enugu State have arrested six suspected criminals who had been on the state’s security watchlist and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition believed to have been used in various criminal operations across the state.

Peter Mbah, Governor of the state, disclosed this on Friday after inspecting the recovered weapons at the Enugu State headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the arrests as a major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing fight against violent crime.

The governor said the suspects were linked to several security breaches in Enugu, including the killing of security personnel, adding that their arrest demonstrated the effectiveness of the state’s security strategy and investments in technology-driven crime detection.

The recovered weapons included 17 AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one rocket-propelled rifle, one tear-gas gun, 12 AK-47 magazines, two hand-held grenades, three tear-gas canisters, and 1,071 rounds of ammunition.

The ammunition comprised 323 special rounds, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Mbah was received at the DSS headquarters by Humphery Ohikhuare, the State Director of the DSS, Mamman Giwa, Commissioner of Police, Garba Suru, Garrison Commander of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, and other senior security officials.

The governor recalled the killing of security officers in the state in December last year, noting that the government had placed bounties on those responsible and launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators.

“Recall that sometime in December last year, we had an incident that took the lives of some of our officers.

“If you also cast your mind back at that time, the state government actually placed bounties on the heads of the criminals.

“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”, Mbah said.

He reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality, warning that offenders would eventually be tracked down and prosecuted regardless of how long they evade arrest.

“We have always said in Enugu State that we have no room for criminals. 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 added.

According to the governor, the latest arrests are proof that the sacrifices made by fallen security officers were not in vain and that the state’s security architecture is producing measurable results.

“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 noted that many of the successes recorded by security agencies often go unnoticed because numerous crimes are prevented before they occur.

“In most cases, you do not hear a lot in terms of the achievements we have recorded because the crimes are nipped in the bud, and it is to the credit of both our technology and vigilant officers,” he stated.

He issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating in the state, insisting that Enugu would remain hostile territory for those engaged in unlawful activities.

The governor also called on landlords and property owners to take greater responsibility by thoroughly screening prospective tenants before renting out their properties.

He warned that the state government would continue to prosecute landlords found to be harbouring criminals and would not hesitate to demolish buildings linked to violent crimes and criminal activities.

Mbah further commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework, particularly the push for state policing and the revitalisation of security training institutions.

He revealed that funds had been released for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of security training facilities across the country, a move he said would improve professionalism and standardise training among security agencies.

The governor expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among the DSS, police, military and other security organisations would further enhance public safety and help maintain peace across Enugu State.