The Police Command in Enugu State says it arrested a total of 195 suspects and rescuesd 19 abducted persons in the state within one month.

The police also recovered: 10 AK-47 rifles, one sub-machine gun, 37 locally fabricated and other firearms as well as 67 live ammunition of different calibres, 78 live cartridges, 25 motor vehicles, 15 tricycles and 25 motorcycles among others.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, said in a press briefing on Friday in Enugu that the one month under review covered operational successes from the whole of April to May 3.

Uzuegbu said that the 195 suspects included: 29 suspects arrested for kidnapping/abduction; 28 suspects arrested for armed robbery; 25 suspects arrested for robbery and stealing; and seven suspects arrested for murder and culpable homicide.

He said that other suspects are: 20 suspects arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition; four suspects arrested for rape/defilement; 37 suspects arrested for cultism and related offence and 45 suspects arrested for vandalism, breaking and other offences.

The state police boss noted that a majority of the suspects arrested had been arraigned in court and remanded in correctional custodial centre, while others are still being investigated.

“Interestingly, two male suspects involved in conspiracy and abduction were arraigned, convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment already,” he said.

The commissioner said that Enugu State had generally remained relatively peaceful, secured and safe enough for law-abiding residents and visitors to continue to carry out their legitimate businesses.

He said: “I, however, urge our citizens, particularly media practitioners and netizens, to always tow the path of discretion, objectivity and accuracy when reporting sensitive security issues.

“This has become necessary to avoid creating an atmosphere of chaos, fear and unnecessary tensions in the minds of unsuspecting citizens. Additionally, such acts could also lead to the violation of the law, particularly the cybercrime Act which attracts legal consequences.”

Uzuegbu also highlighted efforts being made to tackle the issue of the seemingly intractable herders-farmers-induced cases of murder and other violent crimes recently experienced in some parts of the state.

According to him, a case in hand being the recent senseless and unwarranted attack and gruesome murder of four persons at Ugwuijero Village in Nimbo community of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, by armed men suspected to be herders.

“You will recall that upon receiving report of the unpleasant incident, I immediately ordered the deployment of the operational and intelligence resources of the Command to hunt-down the criminal elements said to have escaped thereafter.

“These operations will be sustained until the perpetrators, and others involved in similar crimes, are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Furthermore, I have also ensured that both kinetic and non-kinetic means are used to tackle this ugly menace.

“Accordingly, I have directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to ensure the maximum utilization of the Police Special Constabularies in their policing activities, in line with the community policing guidelines.”

He noted that in addition, he had ordered them to effectively partner and work with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, Forest Guards and members of the community to frontally tackle this manner of crime, and violent crimes in their respective areas of responsibility.

The state police boss thanked Gov. Peter Mbah, for his immense support and pragmatic commitment to a safer, more secured and peaceful Enugu State.

“Similarly, I sincerely appreciate the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his leadership direction, guide and support, which have continued to make our policing activities less cumbersome and productive.

“The collaborative support from sister security agencies and the entire security stakeholders of Enugu State, is such that I am immensely grateful for, and I say thank you.

“The generality of the law-abiding citizens including you the members of the press, that have continued to be supportive, are not left out. I greatly appreciate you all, and plead that you do not get tired of supporting us by doing and/or saying something to us when you see or hear something.

“I also commend officers and men of the Command for the diligence, resilience and commitment shown towards the actualization of these operational successes.

“I encourage them to remain steadfast, professional and committed, as we relentlessly and unwaveringly work towards maintaining maximum law and order, as well as ensure the security of lives and property in Enugu State,” he added.