Security agencies have arrested six suspected criminals on the watch list of Enugu state.
A large cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the suspected criminals.
Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, on Friday inspected the recovered weapons at the state headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the governor, the suspects are linked to various security breaches across the state — including the murder of police officers.
The recovered items 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, three tear-gas canisters and 1,071 rounds of ammunition, comprising 323 special rounds, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Mbah was received by Humphery Ohikhuare, Enugu state director of the DSS; Mamman Giwa, commissioner of police; Garba Suru, garrison commander of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army; and other senior security personnel.
The governor acknowledged the efforts of the security agencies, adding that the state’s investment in modern security infrastructure was yielding results.
“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,” Mbah said.
“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.”
The governor said the arrest is an indication that the sacrifices of fallen officers were not in vain.
He noted that the state was seeing tangible outcomes from its security initiatives.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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 urged landlords to screen prospective tenants, warning that the government would continue prosecuting erring property owners and demolishing properties linked to violent crimes.
He also commended President Tinubu’s support for state police and the revamp of security training institutions.
Mbah said funds had been released for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of security training institutions nationwide, a move he said would help standardise training across the country’s security agencies.
