Security Forces Arrest Gunmen, Recover R0cket Launcher, 17 AK-47 Rifles, Over 1000 Ammun!tion In Enugu
Security Forces Arrest Gunmen, Recover Rocket Launcher, 17 AK-47 Rifles, Over 1000 Ammunition In Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah disclosed this on Friday during an inspection of the recovered weapons at the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Enugu.
Security agencies in Enugu State have arrested six suspected members of notorious criminal gangs linked to deadly attacks in the state and recovered a large cache of sophisticated weapons, including 17 AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled launcher, grenades and more than 1000 rounds of ammunition.
Governor Peter Mbah disclosed this on Friday during an inspection of the recovered weapons at the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Enugu.
The governor said the suspects were among individuals on the security agencies’ watch list and had been linked to several violent crimes and attacks across the state.
According to him, the arrests were carried out through joint operations involving the DSS, the Nigerian Police Force, the military and other security agencies.
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.
Security operatives also recovered various military-style uniforms and accessories allegedly used by the suspects during their operations.
Speaking during the inspection, Mbah described the arrests as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the state.
He recalled that some of the suspects were linked to attacks that resulted in the deaths of security personnel in Enugu in late 2025.
“Sometime in December last year, we had an incident that took the lives of some of our officers. Following that attack, the state government placed bounties on the heads of the criminals involved,” Mbah said.
“We have before now apprehended some of those responsible, but the suspects we are presenting today are among those who had remained on the run.”
The governor reiterated his administration’s stance against violent crime, warning that criminal elements would continue to face sustained pressure from security agencies.
“We have always said there is no room for criminals in Enugu State. If you commit crime here, no matter how long it takes, we will identify you, we will get you and ensure that you are brought to justice,” he stated.
Mbah attributed the latest security success to investments by his administration in surveillance technology and intelligence gathering, saying the state’s security architecture had significantly improved over the past year.
According to him, many criminal plots had been thwarted before execution through coordinated intelligence operations and technological monitoring.
He assured residents that security agencies remained vigilant and capable of responding to emerging threats.
The governor also issued a warning to landlords and property owners, urging them to conduct thorough background checks on prospective tenants.
He said the state government would continue enforcing laws that hold property owners accountable when their premises are used for violent crimes.
“You cannot claim ignorance. The law places a responsibility on landlords to know who they are giving their properties to,” he said.
“We will continue to prosecute offenders and take action against properties linked to criminal activities.”
Mbah further commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security sector.
He revealed that funds had been released by the Federal Government for the rehabilitation and upgrading of security training institutions across the country.
The governor, who chairs the Presidential Committee on the Revamp of Security Training Institutions, said the intervention would improve training standards and operational effectiveness among security personnel.
He also welcomed the recent passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives, describing it as a significant step towards improving security governance.
According to him, state policing would enable sub-national governments to take greater responsibility for protecting lives and property within their territories.
The latest arrests come amid renewed efforts by security agencies to combat violent crime, kidnapping and armed attacks in parts of the South-East, where authorities have intensified intelligence-led operations against criminal groups operating across state boundaries.
