By Fresh Facts Magazine Staff Writer
When Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa assumed duty in Enugu State on March 11, 2025, expectations were high. Six months on, the police command under his leadership says it has made remarkable progress in crime fighting—arresting 5,176 suspects and rescuing 113 kidnapped victims.
Speaking at a press briefing at the State Command Headquarters, Giwa reeled out figures that underscored the scale of the challenge and the intensity of the response. Among those arrested were 98 suspects for armed robbery, 87 for kidnapping, 50 for murder, 16 for unlawful possession of firearms, 11 for rape and defilement, 122 for cultism, and a staggering 4,792 for other offences including theft, vandalism, and human trafficking.
The police also recovered 105 firearms, 271 rounds of ammunition, and 71 vehicles during the period. “Our proactive and intelligence-driven approach has yielded impressive results, including dismantling multiple kidnapping, robbery, and trafficking syndicates,” Giwa said.
High-Profile Arrests
The CP highlighted some of the command’s most chilling cases. Among them was the arrest of 18-year-old Obodoagu Ikediekpere, accused of kidnapping and killing his five-year-old cousin. In another case, a suspected ritualist, Obieze Levi, popularly known as E Dey Pray E Dey Show, was arrested alongside two accomplices.
Perhaps more shocking was the arrest of sisters Juliet and Ngozi Chukwu, who allegedly kidnapped their own kinsman and collected a ₦10 million ransom—money that was recovered in full by police operatives.
Securing Big Events and Fragile Communities
Beyond arrests, the Enugu Police Command also ensured a hitch-free Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, which drew over 20,000 lawyers and participants to the city earlier this year. According to CP Giwa, that success was achieved through collaboration with sister agencies, the Enugu Forest Guards, and the Neighbourhood Watch Group.
In Isi-Uzo and Uzo-Uwani local government areas, once hotspots for herders-farmers clashes, relative calm has been restored following joint deployments. The CP also noted that violent acts linked to secessionist agitation have reduced significantly.
Looking ahead to the “ember months,” traditionally marked by heightened criminal activity, Giwa assured that “robust security measures are already in place to sustain public safety.”
Citizens React
Across Enugu, reactions to the Command’s performance have been mixed, reflecting both relief and cautious optimism.
Mrs. Chinyere Nwafor, a businesswoman at Ogbete Main Market, said the figures give her some confidence. “We used to close our shops early because of fear of robbers. Now, I can say things are better. At least I can see police patrols around the market area. That alone makes us feel safer.”
For university student, Emeka Ihedioha, the situation is still fragile. “Yes, they have made many arrests, but crime is still around us. In my hostel area, we still hear about cult clashes. I just hope the police won’t relax now but continue with the same energy,” he said.
Okeke Chukwuma, a commercial driver, expressed concern about the sustainability of the achievements. “Police dey try, no doubt. But sometimes, after all these arrests, the criminals return to the street. Government and courts need to follow through, otherwise the effort no go show.”
The Road Ahead
Commissioner Giwa commended Governor Peter Mbah for his support, praised collaboration with other security outfits, and urged law-abiding residents to keep providing intelligence. His message was clear: crime fighting requires joint effort.
“Together, we can achieve and sustain a secure, peaceful, and thriving environment for everyone in Enugu State,” he said.
For now, many in Enugu are cautiously hopeful that the gains recorded in the last six months will translate into a lasting culture of safety across the state.
