Security agencies have arrested six suspected criminals who were on the watch list of authorities in Enugu State.
A significant stockpile of arms and ammunition was also recovered during the operation.
Governor Peter Mbah inspected the seized weapons on Friday at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Enugu.
According to the governor, the suspects are connected to several security incidents across the state, including the killing of police officers.
Items recovered from the suspects 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 grenades, three tear-gas canisters, and 1,071 rounds of ammunition. The ammunition consists of 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; Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa; Garba Suru, Garrison Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division; and other senior security officials.
The governor praised the efforts of security operatives, noting that the state’s investment in advanced security infrastructure was producing results.
Recalling the killing of security personnel in December last year, Mbah said the state government had placed bounties on those responsible.
“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,” he 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 described the arrests as proof that the sacrifices of slain officers had not been in vain and said the state was recording measurable gains from its security programmes.
“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.”
Mbah also urged landlords to thoroughly screen prospective tenants, warning that the government would continue prosecuting property owners who fail to comply and demolishing buildings linked to violent crimes.
He further commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting state policing initiatives and the revitalisation of security training institutions nationwide.
According to the governor, funds have already been released for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of security training facilities across the country, a move he said would help improve and standardise training for security personnel.