Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform— OCTOBER 14, 2026.
THE Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest of 182 suspects, the rescue of 31 kidnapped victims and the recovery of 57 firearms, including 13 AK-47 rifles, since the establishment of its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in April 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, disclosed the figures on Wednesday while presenting the unit’s operational scorecard during its formal launch by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, at the VCRU headquarters in Golf Estate, Enugu.
According to the police commissioner, the arrests involved suspects linked to alleged offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, cultism, and drug and substance trafficking.
Giwa further revealed that the unit recovered 669 rounds of assorted live ammunition and 44 vehicles, comprising cars, tricycles and motorcycles, alongside other exhibits during its operations.
He added that many of the arrested suspects had been prosecuted, underscoring the command’s continued efforts to strengthen law enforcement and address violent criminal activities across the state.
IGP Charges Officers on Professionalism and Accountability
The Inspector-General of Police, represented at the launch by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Miller Gajere Dantawaye, described the establishment of the VCRU as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening intelligence-driven policing, preventing violent crime and protecting lives and property.
Disu charged officers of the unit to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties.
The unit comprises specialised sections responsible for tackling armed robbery, terrorism-related offences, kidnapping, cultism and drug trafficking. Other sections oversee operational monitoring, professional conduct and media liaison.
Mbah’s Administration Commended for Security Support
The Inspector-General also commended Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for providing operational vehicles and supporting security infrastructure to enhance policing and public safety across the state.
The development highlights the importance of collaboration between the police, the state government, community institutions and residents in addressing security challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the VCRU State Civilian Oversight Board, civil society representative Larry Ogwuego commended the initiative and pledged that the board would promote accountability, encourage community feedback and support respect for human rights in the unit’s operations.
The launch was attended by senior police officers, representatives of the state government and members of the oversight board drawn from traditional institutions, the legal profession, the Police Community Relations Committee, the media and youth groups.
Public Urged to Support Security Efforts
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to combating violent crime and safeguarding lives and property throughout Enugu State.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report credible information about suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies. Cooperation between citizens and law enforcement remains essential to preventing crime and maintaining peace in communities.
The operational figures were reported by Vanguard on October 14, 2026, based on disclosures by the Enugu State Commissioner of Police.
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