Enugu State has taken another decisive step to strengthen public security, as Governor Dr. Peter Mbah inaugurated a new fleet of hi-tech equipment and patrol vehicles procured by the Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF). The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining Enugu’s position as one of Nigeria’s safest states.
The newly inaugurated assets include two state-of-the-art drones, 10 Hilux 4×4 vehicles, 40 motorcycles, 400 bulletproof vests, and 400 bulletproof helmets, major additions to the state’s expanding security infrastructure.
Speaking at Government House, Enugu, on Monday, Governor Mbah expressed appreciation to the ESSTF Trustees for their sustained commitment to enhancing security in the state. He said the equipment would reinforce existing investments such as the Command and Control Centre, AI-powered surveillance systems, and over 150 Distress Response Squad vehicles fitted with smart cameras.
He emphasized that his administration’s achievements and long-term goals hinged on a secure environment, adding that the government would continue to partner with the federal administration under President Bola Tinubu to ensure a safer Nigeria.
“The security challenges we are having are local, and at the state level, we must also play our own role to ensure our localities are safe. So, these items will be deployed to ensure Enugu State remains the safest state in this country.
“We can confidently say that violent crimes have been reduced by over 80 per cent in Enugu State today. But as you know, we are not resting on our laurels because the criminals and bad elements we are dealing with are not resting, but are looking for any opportunity to breach our security.
“Security is one sector you may have scored 90 per cent, but just one breach can undermine all the successes you have accomplished. That is why we must invest heavily in equipment and infrastructure that enable us to nip crime in the bud and act quickly when one has been committed. That is why today’s event is reinforcing,” Mbah stated.
Representing the ESSTF Chairman, Ike Chioke, Trustee Nath Udeh said the new assets ensure there is no hiding place for criminals, noting that they significantly advance the governor’s vision for a safer, investment-friendly Enugu.
He said: “Despite the number of flights now coming into Enugu, if you do not book on time, you do not get a seat. That tells you the amount of traffic now coming into Enugu. Some companies also want to have their retreats and a couple of assignments here in Enugu. These are signs to show that there is something nice happening here.”
Offering further insight into the equipment, ESSTF Executive Secretary, Engr. Chinedu Ani, explained that the two Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) drones were designed for flexible operations in any terrain without requiring a runway.
“The drones also have a coverage and a range of 100km and as far as I know, from this spot (Command and Control Centre), which is where we normally take off, the longest air distance in Enugu here is 90km. So, it has the capability to go beyond Enugu State. And also, we can cruise at 120km per hour. They are quite fast.
“Each drone has several cameras, including thermal camera, night vision and daytime vision. Those cameras can zoom up to so many kilometres from the position of the drone. So, it is a very powerful equipment that has a lot of technologies. The cameras are also AI-equipped. So, they can do a lot of analysis. With the drones, we now have additional capability to track suspects, vehicles, and human beings anywhere within the state,” he explained.
Also speaking, ESSTF Trustee and Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onyekachi Onyia, stressed the strategic importance of the state’s security to the entire South East.
“We know the consequences of leaving Enugu porous. If terrorists are able to get through Enugu, the South East is finished. It will not end well,” he warned.
The unveiling marks a significant leap in Enugu’s broader security strategy, aimed at deterring crime, supporting rapid response systems, and ensuring the state remains a stable destination for investors and residents alike.
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