Benson Ezechime, Enugu
The Police Command in Enugu State says it nabbed no fewer than 130 armed robbery and 100 kidnapping suspects in 2024 in Enugu State.
The Command also nabbed 55 murder suspects and more than 111 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms in 2024.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, revealed this in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Commissioner said that additionally, 226 suspects involved in cultism and 450 others linked to various crimes such as burglary, stealing and fraud were also nabbed in 2024.
He said, “Furthermore, about 100 kidnapped or abducted victims were rescued.
“Items recovered included over 200 firearms, including 21 AK-47 rifles, one submachine gun, and one G-3 rifle; 1,863 rounds of ammunition; and 124 vehicles comprising cars, tricycles and motorcycles.”
The state police boss in the statement, which he titled: “Highlights of 2024 Operational Successes of the Command,” also expressed gratitude to the citizens of the state for their unwavering support.
“I want to extend my profound gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, for his resounding guidance and overall support.
“I appreciate the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for providing material and moral support to the police throughout the year.
“The Command commends the citizens for supplying credible and actionable information that significantly aided operations.
“The Command also acknowledges the collaborative efforts of sister security agencies, the Neighbourhood Watch Group, Forest Guards, local vigilantes and hunters in 2024,” he said.
The state police boss also praised personnel of the Command for their resilience, dedication and bravery, noting that these collective efforts made 2024 successes possible.
He mourned and prayed for the continued repose of the souls of those who paid the ultimate price with their lives in the course of 2024 operations.
For 2025, the commissioner reassured the people of the state of the Command’s commitment to a more professional, community-driven, proactive, robust and results-based policing.
He called on citizens to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and supportive of the police and other security agencies, while “wishing everyone a fruitful and fulfilling 2025.”
