Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mr. Bitrus Giwa, has assured residents of the state that the command would sustain its capacity in the fight against crimes and criminalities across the state in the current ember months.
CP Giwa said this during a press conference at the command’s headquarters in Enugu.
He outlined his achievements since his assumption of office in March 2025.
He said that his tenure had been marked by significant strides in combating crime, enhancing public safety, and fostering community trust in the police force. According to him, the command, within the period under review, arrested a total of 5,176 criminal suspects.
He said this was a remarkable feat reflecting the intensified efforts of the Police Command to tackle crime.
He highlighted collaborative operations involving various police units, local vigilantes, and community leaders, which have contributed to the surge in successful arrests.
He said there was an indication of a high wave of criminal intents among the people, a situation that he attributed to economic hardship, laziness, and the get-rich-quick syndrome on the part of the culprits.
Giwa also disclosed that the command rescued a total of 113 kidnap victims within the past six months.
The CP said that the police remained committed to curbing the rising trend of kidnapping in the state.
“Our strategy has involved not just immediate response but proactive measures and intelligence gathering, underscoring the importance of teamwork in addressing the wave of criminalities that had previously plagued the state,” he said.
He praised the doggedness and resilience of men of the command in navigating certain security risks, citing the case of a crackdown on four male criminal gang suspects from whom 15 vehicles were recovered.
“A recent case involved the arrest of four male suspects and the recovery of 15 stolen vehicles.
“The criminal gang was responsible for multiple kidnappings of drivers, whom they abducted to unknown locations, forcibly withdrew funds from their accounts, and made away with their vehicles.
“The recovered vehicles were found in various states and locations, including Anambra and Rivers States, as well as Enugu and Nsukka.
“The same gang was behind the sporadic shooting and abduction of a male victim in his Mercedes Benz Jeep around 9:00 p.m. in May 2025 at the G.R.A., Enugu.
“Following my immediate directive, Tactical Teams were deployed to track and apprehend the criminals and rescue the victim.
“The operatives successfully rescued the victim, neutralized one of the gang members, while others escaped in the victim’s SUV, which was later recovered.
“Recall that a locally made double-barreled pistol loaded with two live cartridges and a green Nissan vehicle used in the operation were recovered,” he said.
He attributed the crime-free environment during the just concluded Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association to the proactive and systematic policing strategies applied by the command.
“The peaceful atmosphere throughout the conference was the result of deliberate and strategic security planning, coordination, and execution.
“With the support of sister security agencies, the Enugu State Forest Guards, and the Neighbourhood Watch Group, we ensured visible and covert policing of all venues, accommodation facilities, and other public areas used by attendees.
“I am pleased to report that not a single crime was recorded before, during, or after the event—a feat widely acknowledged by participants and observers as remarkable,” Giwa said.
The Commissioner also addressed the relationship between the police force and the citizens of Enugu, calling for increased cooperation in the fight against crime.
He urged residents to report suspicious activities and share information that could lead to the identification and arrest of criminal elements within their communities.
“The fight against crime is a collective effort.
“We need your support. The more information we have from you, the better we can protect our communities,” he said.
Moreover, Giwa took a moment to speak on an enduring issue that has caused public distrust in the police – corruption within the ranks.
He encouraged residents to expose corrupt police officers and promised that the command would take swift disciplinary action against any officer found engaging in unethical practices.
“We are reforming our internal processes to ensure accountability and integrity within the force.
“I have made it unequivocally clear that there is zero tolerance for extortion, corruption, or any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute.
“Officers have also been warned against interfering in civil matters, especially those involving land disputes.
“In such instances, they are encouraged to advise the parties involved to seek legal redress through the appropriate civil channels.
“Furthermore, I have continued to remind our personnel of the need to be friendly and humane in their dealings with members of the public.
“I have emphasized the importance of exercising emotional and social intelligence while carrying out their duties. In my view, these qualities are essential to building and sustaining public trust in law enforcement,” Giwa said.
The police commissioner further reiterated the commitment of the Enugu State Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of residents while fostering an environment of trust.
