Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has publicly praised the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for arresting high-risk criminal elements, including suspected kidnappers and gunrunners, and pledged his government’s continued support for the state’s security architecture, following a high-profile security briefing and engagement at the DSS State Headquarters in Enugu on April 5, 2026.
Governor Mbah’s visit to the DSS command was presented as a formal recognition of recent success by security agencies in disrupting threat networks that have terrorised parts of Enugu State and the wider South-East region. He expressed satisfaction that a notorious gang leader, believed to be responsible for a series of violent attacks on security personnel and repeated kidnappings for ransom, had been apprehended, saying the arrest would bring a measure of relief and safety to affected communities. Mbah described the actions of such criminal groups as abhorrent and urged authorities to continue holding perpetrators to account under the full weight of the law.
In statements delivered during the visit, the governor underscored his belief that the recent arrests by the DSS exemplify disciplined, professional security work at a time when public confidence in safety is paramount. He highlighted the role of the agency, together with other security components, in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in the state — particularly during the just-concluded Easter holiday period — reassuring residents that coordinated security efforts remain a priority for his administration. Mbah encouraged the DSS command to sustain their operational tempo, noting that persistent vigilance and collaboration with state authorities are critical to breaking the cycle of crime.
While specific operational details of the arrests have not been publicly released by the DSS, officials acknowledged during the governor’s visit that the suspects had been linked to kidnappings and illegal arms trafficking. Those arrests were welcomed by the governor as part of a broader effort to address insecurity that has occasionally spiked in Enugu’s rural hinterlands and along major highways, where criminal gangs have historically targeted travellers and local communities. Observers say such arrests are part of an intensified nationwide push by federal security services to disrupt organised criminal networks operating across geopolitical zones.
Governor Mbah’s commendation of the DSS also echoed an ongoing emphasis by his administration on inter-agency cooperation, combining local intelligence with federal resources to track down high-profile suspects. This reflects his broader security strategy, which has been publicly lauded by various community and religious leaders. Only days earlier, a senior figure in the Methodist Church, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, hailed Mbah’s overall security approach — including technological investments for real-time monitoring and rapid response — as a model worth emulating by other state leaders, illustrating wider recognition of his efforts to strengthen public safety infrastructure.
Mbah reiterated his commitment to supporting national and state security agencies, saying his government would continue providing necessary logistics and policy backing. He framed this support as essential not only for enforcing the rule of law but also for making Enugu an attractive environment for tourism, commerce, and broader social development. The governor stressed that durable peace is essential for progress and economic growth, especially as the state builds on infrastructure, social services, and investment initiatives launched under his tenure.
The praise for the DSS comes at a time when security remains a central concern for citizens across many parts of Nigeria. In recent years, abductions, armed robbery, and clashes involving criminal syndicates have posed persistent challenges for law enforcement in several states. The DSS, alongside the police and other federal agencies, has intensified operations against suspected gunrunners and kidnappers, including recent interceptions of suspected arms traffickers in states such as Kaduna, as part of a broader strategy to prevent weapons from reaching criminals and militant groups.
Political and community leaders in Enugu have welcomed the governor’s public support for security agencies. Many see his visible engagement with the DSS as a positive signal that the state government and federal security apparatus can collaborate effectively. Civil society voices have urged sustained pressure on criminal networks and called for even greater transparency from authorities about ongoing operations and outcomes so that citizens can better understand how security gains are being achieved.
Despite these recent successes, some community concerns persist about insecurity in outlying areas, and analysts say the real test for authorities will be maintaining momentum and ensuring that arrested suspects are prosecuted promptly and justly. The governor’s reaffirmation of support is therefore seen as part of a broader, long-term effort to embed security improvements into the daily experience of residents and reinforce the perception of safety across Enugu State.
As Enugu continues its drive toward stability, Governor Mbah’s endorsement of the DSS’s achievements and his pledge to back security agencies will likely remain a focal point in public discussions about governance, safety, and the rule of law.
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