…Haul in 1,071 rounds of ammunition, 17 AK-47 rifles, GMPG, rocket propelled rifle, grenades, others

…Charges property owners on background checks of prospective tenants

…Hails Tinubu for releasing funds to revamp security training institutions

…Lauds passage of State Police Bill

A major breakthrough has been recorded in the security sector in Enugu State, as security agencies, during a major operation conducted last week, apprehended six notorious criminals who had been on the state’s security watch list. The operation also led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, while inspecting caches of arms at the Enugu State head office of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday, said the suspects now in the security net included those involved in various deadly security breaches in the state.

The arms and ammunition recovered include 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, and three tear-gas canisters, and 1,071 rounds of ammunition (323 special ammunition, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition). Others include different quantities of various uniforms and four lanyards.

The suspects and the recovered weapons

Mbah, who was received by the State Director of the DSS, Mr. Humphery Ohikhuare; the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa; the Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Brigadier General Garba Suru, and other senior security personnel, said the state’s investment in modern security infrastructure was paying off.

“First of all, I would like to acknowledge and salute the gallantry of our security agents. What we are witnessing here today is the triumph of vigilance, the triumph of hard work, and the triumph of dedication to duty.

“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.

“But we have always said in Enugu State that we have no room for criminals. And 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.

“We are happy that officers who paid the ultimate price, their sacrifices have not been in vain because we are bringing to a close that chapter, where we now believe that these people will face justice,” he declared.

He also expressed happiness that his administration’s huge investment in modern security infrastructure had continued to pay off.

“It is also heartwarming for me and the people of Enugu State that the investment we have made in the security sector, and the cooperation and dedication of our security agencies in the state, is paying off.

“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.

“That is why we believe that there is no amount you invest in security that is too much.

“However, while we pride ourselves as major investors in technology, we must not forget that technology is also operated by humans. You will need a dedicated workforce. 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 explained.

He gave a marching order to every criminal element still within Enugu State’s territory.

“To the criminals out there, we do not have room for you. I can also assure you that if you come in here and commit crime, no matter how long it takes, we must identify you, we must get you, and we must ensure that you are brought to justice,” the governor declared.

The governor charged property owners to conduct background checks on their prospective tenants, maintaining that the government would continue to prosecute erring property owners and demolish properties linked to violent crimes.

“You cannot be exculpated on the ground that you said that you did not know. The law has placed the duty on you. You must ensure that you know who you are giving your house to as a landlord,” he emphasised.

Mbah, who chairs the Presidential Committee on the Revamp of Security Training Institutions, also hailed President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to security, manifesting in the President’s support for the creation of state police and the revamp of security training facilities in Nigeria.

“We have received the funds to ensure that all the training institutions for our security agencies are rehabilitated and reconstructed. What that means is that we are going to also have standardisation of training across the country.

“Again, as you may know, the House of Representatives just passed the State Police Bill. I commend them. This will essentially help us to eliminate the tragedy of the commons. And I believe as a state, we must take full responsibility to ensure that we provide effective security within our borders,” he concluded.

….11 babies found during raid on his house

The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of a pastor accused of taking dozens of married women as wives and allegedly compelling members of his church to engage in wife-swapping arrangements.

The cleric, identified as Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of the state’s security outfit following allegations that surfaced in a viral video, government officials said.

Authorities said the pastor has been handed over to the police as investigations continue into the claims made against him.

Pastor Harrison Charles

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Ejimofor Opara, the arrest forms part of an ongoing crackdown by the state government on individuals accused of operating fraudulent religious ministries.

“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him,” Opara said.

“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”

The pastor has been accused by alleged victims, many of whom are said to be members of his congregation, of persuading married women to leave their husbands and become his wives. Some accusers claim as many as 75 women were involved.

He has also been accused of encouraging wife-swapping among church members, allegations that authorities say are being investigated.

Officials stressed that no court has ruled on the claims and that investigations remain ongoing.

Opara said security operatives discovered 11 babies during the arrest operation at the pastor’s residence.

“During his arrest, about eleven babies were found in his home. He claims to be the father of these eleven babies, stating they are from eleven of his wives,” he said.

“He also claims he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.”

The state government said it is collaborating with the police to establish the full circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine whether any laws were violated.

Authorities have urged members of the public with relevant information about the pastor’s activities to assist the ongoing investigation.

The arrest comes as the Anambra State Government intensifies efforts against individuals accused of exploiting residents through religious practices, with several suspected fake pastors recently arraigned in court.

THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, while in captivity after being abducted by terrorists.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, and expressed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) deep sorrow over the tragic loss.

Uba said the military withheld public comments on the retired general’s abduction to avoid jeopardising ongoing rescue efforts mounted by the armed forces and other security agencies.

He said every available operational resources was deployed in the bid to secure the safe release of the former military spokesman before his death.

“The DHQ regrets to announce the passing of retired Maj.Gen. Rabe Abubakar, who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction,” he said.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late senior officer, his associates and Nigerians at large over the painful loss,” he said .

He described Abubakar as a distinguished officer who served the nation with honour and professionalism in several strategic appointments during his military career.

“The deceased served as spokesman for various military formations and later as Director of Defence Information, where he played a significant role in projecting the activities and operations of the military.

“He also made notable contributions to counter-insurgency operations, the professional development of military personnel and other national security initiatives.

“His commitment to duty and the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

Uba said that the unfortunate incident had further strengthened the resolve of the military to intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security.

He added that ongoing operations across the country had already been reinforced in response to the growing wave of abductions and violent attacks, including the incident involving the retired general.

“The DHQ reiterates its determination to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and security across the country.

“The military remains committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting citizens and ensuring that those responsible for acts of terrorism are brought to justice.

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorist activities across the nation are held to account,” he said. (NAN)