Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, says it has arrested five suspects for various criminal offences within the last one week in the Enugu metropolis.
The offences include vandalism of public amenities, robbery, and assault on security personnel.
Briefing journalists in Enugu, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Dr. Elijah Willie, said the command had intensified its crackdown on criminal activities across the state.
According to him, on August 19 and 20, 2025, NSCDC operatives on routine patrol arrested two male suspects for vandalising streetlight armoured cables.
He disclosed that the first suspect, a 25-year-old man (name withheld), was arrested at about 8 p.m. at Nkpokiti Roundabout, Enugu, while the second, a 26-year-old (name withheld), was apprehended at Nza Street, Enugu.
“The items recovered from them included a bag containing several exhibits such as a saw and an iron rod,” Willie said.
The commandant further revealed that on August 22, 2025, at about 1:30 a.m., NSCDC operatives arrested another suspect for vandalising galvanised street poles.
“The suspect, a 27-year-old man (name withheld), was caught red-handed at Golf Estate, Enugu, while cutting the street poles,” he stated.
Willie also disclosed that, on the same day, two male suspects were arrested at the State Auditor-General’s Office in Enugu for robbery, assaulting an NSCDC officer on duty, and destroying government property.
“The suspects, including an 18-year-old, were identified as members of a five-man gang notorious for harassing residents, vandalising government infrastructure, and engaging in theft,” he explained.
The commandant said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend their accomplices.
He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality and restated its commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring public safety.
“Let this serve as a strong warning: under my watch, there will be no hiding place for criminals in Enugu State. The long arm of the law will catch up with anyone involved in vandalism, robbery, or any form of criminality,” he declared.
Willie also cautioned those with criminal tendencies to steer clear of the state, especially during the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Conference scheduled to hold in Enugu from August 25 to 30.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the official emergency number, 112, or to the nearest security agency.
“Together, we will make Enugu State safe,” he assured.
