By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Detectives in Enugu have arrested 228 persons for alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, illegal possession of firearms and cultism in the state in the last two months.
State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mamman Bitrus Giwa, who made this known at a press briefing held at the state police headquarters, Enugu, disclosed this whole giving details of his achievements since he assumed office two months ago.
Giwa said they also rescued 36 kidnapped victims and recovered 44 firearms, 173 ammunition and 20 vehicles.
According to him, the breakdown showed that of the 228, 44 are armed robbery suspects, 33 for cases of kidnapping, 12 for alleged murder, six for illegal possession of firearms, five for alleged rape and defilement, 44 cultism and 149 for other crimes.
The state CP, in his inaugural press conference, reiterated his commitment to establish a professional, proactive, people-oriented, and friendly policing in the state.
He warned police officers against extortion, unlawful arrest, prolonged detention, harassment or intimidation of citizens, stressing that such will not be tolerated under his watch, stressing that any officer found culpable will face severe disciplinary action.
He further warned them to refrain from meddling in civil matters, particularly land disputes, rather they should explore alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice, where applicable.
The CP urged them to be emotionally intelligent and to bring a human face to their work, but come down hard on unrepentant criminals and violators of the law.
Giwa frowned at what he termed fake news, pointing out that those creating and spreading fake news will not be glossed over but would be dealt with according to the law.
According to him, “the timing, purpose and method of reporting security incidents must be carefully scrutinized to avoid causing unnecessary panic and creating false impression, in the minds of unsuspecting citizens through misleading or false report.
“Fake news is real and its negative impact on people’s life and mental well-being cannot be emphasized.”
He encouraged all citizens and netizen journalist in the State to engage in responsible media practices, advising them to verify information before posting or sharing any security-related content, particularly on social media.
