How Enugu Became Nigeria's Safest State Under Mbah

The security situation in Enugu State was very bad before Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah took over. Non-state actors had set up over 38 camps across the state. Before he became governor in May 2023, Enugu was suffering under constant attacks from these groups.

These separatist-linked enforcers forced people to stay home on Mondays, making businesses and schools shut down. Kidnapping gangs operated freely from forests, attacking police stations, killing security agents, and causing fear in communities.

Bandits and criminal groups took control of rural areas. They made highways unsafe and farming dangerous. These non-state actors openly challenged the authority of the state, creating a climate of fear that stopped investments and economic growth. The situation felt like a monster had taken over.

This dark time reminds us of Jesus’ Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30). In this story, an enemy sowed weeds among the wheat at night. The weeds grew alongside the good plants and threatened to ruin the harvest. The owner told his servants to wait until harvest time to avoid damaging the wheat.

In Enugu, the weeds, which were criminal elements, were taking over and ruining peace and prosperity. It needed a strong leader to remove them without harming the good in the state.

Governor Mbah took on this challenge with determination. He ended the forced sit-at-home orders, rejected any rival authority, and made security a key part of his plan to grow Enugu’s economy to $30 billion. With big investments, smart strategies, and zero tolerance for crime, he has turned Enugu into Nigeria’s safest state.

Governor Mbah’s administration made huge investments in modern security systems. The Command and Control Centre at Government House uses advanced technology for real-time surveillance, facial recognition, number plate tracking, and coordination of all security efforts. This AI-powered center has helped reduce crime significantly.

They also deployed high-definition CCTV cameras and advanced drones for 24/7 monitoring. This allows quick responses to emergencies and alarms. More than 150 Distress Response Squad vehicles, along with 10 Hilux patrol vans, 40 motorcycles, two sophisticated drones, 400 bulletproof vests, and 400 helmets were bought through the Enugu State Security Trust Fund. These moves have improved the state’s safety.

During the opening of the Command and Control Centre in January 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Governor Mbah’s work. He said, “Mbah is proud of Nigeria. He is doing everything possible to provide security, attracting foreign investors, and other investors locally. There’s no better investment than the investment to secure lives. I saw those cars, the Distress Response Squad. It is the way to go.” President Tinubu called Mbah a focused leader using technology to build the future.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also applauded Governor Mbah’s achievements. He said the Mbah administration “has fought insecurity to a standstill” in Enugu, bringing back normal life and boosting the economy. Ribadu noted the significant drop in violence, kidnapping, and attacks on security forces, praising Mbah for restoring peace and making Enugu a model for the Southeast and the country.

The results of these efforts are clear. In June 2026, security agencies caught the last six fugitives wanted for attacks on security forces. This included the May 2024 attack that killed two police officers. Governor Mbah checked the recovered weapons at the DSS headquarters.

They recovered 17 AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, grenades, magazines, and over 1,000 bullets. He called this operation a major victory, assuring residents they can now “sleep in peace.”

Earlier operations also took down major kidnapping and gunrunning gangs in places like Udi. Drones and CCTV helped locate suspects hiding in forests. The Army, Police, Air Force, and DSS worked together to reduce violent crimes and restore public trust.

As the Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:3: “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” Governor Mbah’s leadership shows this faithfulness, combining smart planning, wise investments, and strong action under God’s protection.

Like the wise man from the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27), who built his house on solid ground, Governor Mbah has built Enugu’s security on technology, intelligence, and determination. The monster of the past has been defeated.

Now, Enugu is Nigeria’s safest state under Governor Peter Mbah. People move around freely, investors are coming back, and the state is witnessing tourism and growth. What was once a troubled state is now a shining example of peace and good governance.

Tomorrow is indeed here.