Gov Mbah To Criminals: Leave Enugu Or...
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Friday issued a stern warning to remaining criminal elements operating in the state to either abandon their activities and leave or face the full weight of the law, following the arrest of six notorious suspects linked to major security breaches across the state.
The governor gave the warning while inspecting a large cache of arms and ammunition recovered during joint operations by security agencies at the Enugu State headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The arrested suspects were among individuals on the state's security watch list and are believed to have been involved in a series of violent crimes, including attacks that claimed the lives of security personnel.
The recovered items 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, comprising 323 special rounds, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Security operatives also recovered different quantities of uniforms and four lanyards.
Speaking during the inspection, Governor Mbah commended the Department of State Services, the Police, the military, and other security agencies for their commitment and professionalism.
"What we are witnessing here today is the triumph of vigilance, the triumph of hard work, and the triumph of dedication to duty," he stated.
Recalling the killing of security personnel in December last year, the governor said the latest arrests marked a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to bring all those responsible to justice.
"Recall that sometime in December last year, we had an incident that took the lives of some of our officers. At that time, the state government placed bounties on the heads of the criminals. We have before now apprehended some of those involved. The people we have here today are those who have been on the run."
Reaffirming his administration's zero tolerance for crime, Mbah declared:
"We have always said in Enugu State that we have no room for criminals. 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."
He added that the arrests would help bring closure to the painful chapter that resulted in the loss of security personnel.
"We are happy that officers who paid the ultimate price did not die in vain because we are bringing to a close that chapter, where we now believe these people will face justice."
The governor attributed the successes recorded by security agencies to the state's strategic investment in modern security infrastructure and technology-driven policing.
"It is heartwarming for me and the people of Enugu State that the investment we have made in the security sector, and the cooperation and dedication of our security agencies, are paying off. We can see results with this tracking of criminal elements and the dismantling of criminal gangs."
"The people of Enugu State can now sleep knowing that we have their backs covered. That is why we believe that there is no amount invested in security that is too much."
Governor Mbah, however, stressed that technology alone could not guarantee security without committed personnel.
"While we pride ourselves as major investors in technology, we must not forget that technology is operated by humans. You need a dedicated workforce. In most cases, the public does not hear about many of the successes recorded because crimes are often prevented before they occur."
In what amounted to a direct warning to criminal elements, the governor declared:
"To the criminals out there, we do not have room for you. If you come into Enugu State and commit crime, no matter how long it takes, we will identify you, we will get you, and we will ensure that you are brought to justice."
Governor Mbah also warned landlords and property owners to conduct proper background checks on prospective tenants, stressing that ignorance would no longer be accepted as a defence under the law.
"You cannot be exculpated on the ground that you did not know. The law has placed that responsibility on you. You must ensure that you know who you are giving your property to as a landlord."
He reiterated that government would continue to prosecute erring property owners and demolish buildings linked to violent criminal activities.
The governor further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening national security, citing ongoing efforts to reform security training institutions and support for the establishment of state police.
"We have received the funds required to rehabilitate and reconstruct security training institutions across the country. This will ensure standardisation of training and improve operational effectiveness."
On the proposed State Police framework, Mbah welcomed the recent passage of the bill by the House of Representatives.
"I commend the House of Representatives for passing the State Police Bill. It will help us address existing security challenges more effectively. As a state, we must take full responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of our people."
The governor was received by the Director of the Department of State Services in Enugu State, Mr. Humphery Ohikhuare; the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa; the Garrison Commander of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Garba Suru; and other senior security officials.
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