Enugu CP urges vigilance, wants sustained close collaboration with police at lecture

Cityscope, Crime Diary

ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, on Saturday delivered a lecture to members of the Anglican Diocese of Enugu Security Network on Safeguarding Church Community, Property, and Purpose.

Giwa reiterated the importance of vigilance, collective responsibility, and faith in safeguarding the church community, its property, and divine purpose. He stated this while delivering a lecture on “Safeguarding the Church Community, Property, and Purpose Through Vigilance and Faith” at the Anglican Diocese of Enugu Security Awareness Seminar held at Christ Anglican Church, Uwani, Enugu.

Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Commissioner emphasised that churches, as centres of worship and community life, must adopt both spiritual and practical security measures to remain safe and resilient. Drawing from the biblical charge in Matthew 26:41 to “watch and pray,” he noted that effective security requires a blend of faith, vigilance, and shared responsibility among members.

Addressing participants from the Diocese’s Security Network, CP Giwa highlighted critical areas requiring attention, including the protection of congregants—particularly vulnerable persons—the safeguarding of church assets, and the preservation of the Church’s core mission of worship, evangelism, and service. He stressed the need for heightened vigilance during services, proper monitoring of church facilities, and improved accountability in resource management.

He further urged participants to sustain close collaboration with the Police and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information, while also strengthening internal structures that promote safety, orderliness, and unity within congregations.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-based policing, CP Giwa called on residents to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and supportive of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and public safety in Enugu State.

The lecture timing is significant, coming as the newly confirmed Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has begun rolling out modalities for state policing—widely described as a potential solution to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the Ramadan period, also underscored that “the time for State Police is now” as part of a national strategy to tackle insecurity more effectively.