By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

The Police Command in Enugu State says it has arrested 195 suspects and rescued 19 abducted persons in the state within a month.

The police also recovered 10 AK-47 rifles, one sub-machine gun, 37 locally fabricated and other firearms as well as 67 live ammunition of different calibres.

Other items recovered were 78 live cartridges, 25 vehicles, 15 tricycles and 25 motorcycles among others.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, made this known during a press briefing on Friday in Enugu.

He said that the operations were conducted from the beginning of April to May 3.

Uzuegbu said that out of the 195 suspects, 29 were arrested for kidnapping, 28 for armed robbery, 25 for theft, and seven suspects for murder and culpable homicide.

He added that 20 suspects were also arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, four for rape and defilement, 37 arrested for cultism and related offences and 45 for vandalism and other offences.

According to him, majority of the suspects have been arraigned in court and remanded in custodial centres, while others are being investigated.

“Interestingly, two male suspects involved in conspiracy and abduction were arraigned, convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment already,” he added.

The commissioner said Enugu state has been relatively peaceful, secure and safe for all law-abiding residents to carry out their legitimate businesses.

“I, however, urge our citizens, particularly media practitioners and netizens, to always tow the path of discretion, objectivity and accuracy when reporting sensitive security issues.

“This has become necessary to avoid creating an atmosphere of chaos, fear and unnecessary tensions in the minds of unsuspecting citizens.

“Additionally, such acts could also lead to the violation of the law, particularly the cybercrime Act which attracts legal consequences.”

Uzuegbu also highlighted efforts being made by the command to tackle the recurring killings of herders and farmers in some parts of the state.

According to him, a recent case is the attack and gruesome murder of four persons at Ugwuijero Village in Nimbo community, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area by suspected herders.

“You will recall that upon receiving report of the unpleasant incident, I immediately ordered the deployment of the operational and intelligence resources of the Command to hunt-down the criminal elements said to have escaped thereafter.

“These operations will be sustained until the perpetrators and others involved in similar crimes are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Furthermore, I have also ensured that both kinetic and non-kinetic means are used to tackle this ugly menace.

“Accordingly, I have directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to ensure the maximum utilisation of the Police Special Constabularies in their policing activities, in line with the community policing guidelines.”

He also directed the local police chiefs work closely with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, Forest Guards and community members to frontally tackle violent crimes in their areas of responsibility.

Uzuegbu thanked Gov. Peter Mbah for his immense support and pragmatic commitment to a safer, more secure and peaceful Enugu state.

“Similarly, I sincerely appreciate the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his leadership direction, guidance and support, which have continued to make our policing activities less cumbersome and productive.

“The collaborative support from sister security agencies and the entire security stakeholders of Enugu state, is such that I am immensely grateful for, and I say thank you.

“The generality of law-abiding citizens including members of the press, that have continued to be supportive, are not left out.”

Uzuegbu urged the residents report any suspicious movement around them, to ensure prompt response to any security issue.

“I also commend officers and men of the Command for the diligence, resilience and commitment shown towards the actualisation of these operational successes.

“I encourage them to remain steadfast, professional and committed, as we relentlessly and unwaveringly work towards maintaining maximum law and order, as well as ensure the security of lives and property in Enugu state,” he added. (NAN)

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