By Tony Adibe
In what could be described as a ‘harvest of arrests’, operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested 288 suspects involved in different criminal activities, recovered 173 ammunitions, and rescued 36 kidnapped victims.
This development is coming as the State Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa, has expressed determination and readiness to promote professionalism and run what he regarded as a “people-friendly policing” in the command.
Giwa made this known on Thursday at the Enugu Police Headquarters, while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command since he assumed office as the Commissioner of Police in the state. Giwa, who assumed office on March 11, 2025, also said that some stolen vehicles were also recovered.
Giving the breakdown of the police exploits within the period in review, Giwa said the suspects showed that 44 are for armed robbery, 33 kidnapping, 12 murder, 6 for illegal possession of firearms, 5 rape and defilement, 44 cultism and 149 for other crimes. He added that the Command recovered 44 firearms, 173 ammunition.
NewsBits reports that the event witnessed a display by the police of weapons, army, police, and neighbourhood watch uniforms, and other items recovered from the suspects. According to the Commissioner, his mission was to run a people-centered policing, warning policemen in the Command against extortion of citizens. He threatened that any police found wanting in this regard would be punished according to the law.
Giwa advised citizens to report any police officer involved in any corrupt practice through any means that could reach his office, stressing that he had dealt with such acts within a short while of his assumption of office.
The Commissioner said: “I have convened meetings with my management team, area commanders, heads of tactical and operational units, and sectional heads. I made it unequivocally clear that unprofessional conduct, corruption, extortion, harassment, or intimidation of citizens will not be tolerated under my watch.
“Any officer found culpable will face severe disciplinary action.Specifically, I have directed that extortion of citizens before case documentation and handling must cease immediately and that officers must refrain from meddling in civil matters, particularly land disputes, and instead explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and restorative justice where applicable.
“I further warned them against unlawful arrest and prolonged detention without recourse to extant laws. I also emphasized the need for police officers to be emotionally intelligent and to put a human face to their work, while coming down hard on unrepentant criminals and violators of our laws.”
Commenting specifically on action so far taken against some corrupt policemen in the Command, Giwa said: “Recently, the Command received a complaint via X (formerly Twitter) alleging the extortion of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦250,000.00) by police officers attached to the Distress Response Squad (DRS). I immediately directed that the case be investigated and that the officers involved be tried in an Orderly Room proceeding.
“Once the trial process is concluded and the necessary approval is obtained from the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 13, since one of the team members holds the rank of Inspector, the public will be duly informed of the punishment imposed. I have also ensured the redeployment of several supervisory officers and their subordinates who have conducted themselves unprofessionally to serve as a deterrent to others.
“I assure the public that I will spare no effort in instilling discipline within the Command and in upholding the ethics and codes that guide the activities of the Nigeria Police Force as a disciplined institution. However, I seek the continued cooperation and support of all citizens in this regard.”
He also spoke on proactive policing and government support to enhance security. He said: “We are leveraging the state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre and Distress Response Squad (DRS) established by the Enugu State Government under His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.”
He also commented on the benefits of the measures. He said: “These initiatives equipped with modern technology will be maximally utilized for effective policing. So far, we have started reaping the expected fruits of these initiatives in our operations.
“Additionally, we are revitalizing community policing strategies to foster a people-centered approach. Recently, I hosted a town hall meeting with key security stakeholders in commemoration of National Police Day, where we addressed concerns and gathered valuable feedback. Such engagements will continue to be held periodically to strengthen police-public relations.”
Giwa also spoke on his directives to his men concerning the implementation of the much-taunted Community Policing. He said: “Furthermore, I have mandated my Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to fully implement community policing strategies within their areas of responsibility. I also charged them to, by all legitimate means, engage the Neighbourhood Watch Group, Forest Guards, local hunters, and other credible members of their communities to achieve the expected policing results.”
The Commissioner equally assessed the current security situation in Enugu State, stressing that, “Enugu State remains largely peaceful, though we face isolated security challenges, including Herder-farmer-induced crimes in some parts of the State, and occasional cases of kidnapping and armed robbery. However, we have implemented robust measures to curb these crimes and ensure the security and safety of all residents. Unfortunately, we have continued to come across sensational and misleading media reports about security incidents, including some that never occurred in Enugu State.”
Appealing for the support of the media, objective reportage, and balanced information, Giwa said media support and cooperation were crucial as the police continue to intensify efforts to combat emerging crimes in the State.
“We recognize the strength and importance of the media, especially social media, in disseminating information in this digital age. However, the timing, purpose, and method of reporting security incidents must be carefully scrutinized to avoid causing unnecessary panic and creating false impressions in the minds of unsuspecting citizens through misleading or false reports.”
