Nigeria: Police Detain 6,240 Suspects, Rescue 211 Kidnapped Victims in Enugu in 17 Months

What the report says

The Enugu State Police Command says it detained 6,240 suspects, rescued 211 kidnapped victims and recovered 156 firearms, along with 1,486 rounds of assorted ammunition, over a 17-month period of security operations. The figures were made public in Enugu by the command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, speaking for Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa during a visit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 13, Miller Dantawaye.

According to the report carried by Premium Times and distributed by AllAfrica, Giwa said the period reviewed covered his time in office since 11 March 2025. He said those detained included people suspected of kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms, as well as others held for offences such as stealing, breaking in and vandalism. The command also said it recovered 209 vehicles, including cars, tricycles and motorcycles.

Giwa attributed the results to intelligence-led policing, stronger border patrols, a special violent crime response unit and improved emergency systems. He also asked for more manpower, logistics and welfare support to sustain the gains. Dantawaye, in response, urged officers to remain professional, disciplined and respectful of citizens’ rights while maintaining public confidence in the police.

The figures are significant because Enugu, like other parts of southeastern Nigeria, has faced persistent concerns over kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal firearms. The police account presents the command’s efforts as part of a wider attempt to improve security and coordination with neighbouring states.