Peter Mbah's Leadership and the Security Revival in Enugu State

Daftar Isi

Enugu State: A New Era of Safety, Economic Growth, and Visionary Leadership

Enugu State has recently experienced a remarkable transformation, marked by a surge in both human and economic activity. The state has become a preferred destination for many Nigerians, especially during the Yuletide season, with flights often fully booked despite high airfares. This trend is not limited to air travel; land transport also reflects increased movement, with more visitors, businesspeople, and returning families contributing to the state's growing vibrancy.

This renewed confidence stems from the strategic leadership of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State. His visionary reforms have repositioned Enugu as one of Nigeria’s safest and most economically dynamic states. Under his leadership, the state has seen significant improvements in security, infrastructure, and economic development.

Dr. Mbah recognized that insecurity had long plagued the state, affecting its social and economic fabric. He approached this challenge with clarity and determination, implementing a comprehensive strategy that combined kinetic and non-kinetic measures to restore peace and address the root causes of crime. His vision was clear: to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by creating a safe and stable environment for residents and investors.

One of the governor’s earliest and boldest moves was the termination of the illegal Monday sit-at-home order. On June 5, 2023, he declared that Enugu would no longer allow non-state actors to dictate its economic life. This decision, though initially met with mixed reactions, proved to be a turning point. Within months, Mondays in Enugu returned to normal, with markets, banks, schools, and industries operating with renewed confidence.

In addition to ending the sit-at-home order, Dr. Mbah signed Executive Order 002, which mandated the removal of illegal street barricades that had made parts of Enugu inaccessible. This move restored free movement, defeated criminal control over local spaces, and revitalized urban commerce.

Driven by the need for modern security solutions, Dr. Mbah replaced the inactive urban patrol with the Distress Response Squad (DRS), equipped with 150 AI-enabled patrol vehicles. This initiative enhanced surveillance and response capabilities across the state, restoring public trust and signaling a shift toward data-driven policing.

In early 2024, the governor established the Enugu State Security Trust Fund, modeled after global best practices for sustainable security financing. The fund has mobilized private-sector support for security operations, equipment, and logistics, reinforcing the state’s long-term commitment to peace.

On January 6, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned Enugu’s ultramodern Command and Control Centre, an AI-powered hub linked to hundreds of surveillance cameras and the DRS patrol network. This facility has transformed crime prevention and response through automated threat detection, real-time monitoring, and evidence-based policing. As a result, Enugu has recorded an over 80% reduction in violent crimes, an unprecedented achievement in the region.

Dr. Mbah has also focused on addressing the root causes of crime through poverty reduction and youth engagement. His administration has launched agricultural transformation programs, including over 200-hectare farm estates, a 300,000-hectare land bank for commercial farming, and the revival of the Tractor Assembly Plant. These initiatives have turned once-criminal hideouts into productive economic zones, creating jobs and fostering rural development.

The governor has strengthened community-based security networks, integrating the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guard into a coordinated community policing strategy. This approach has drawn citizens into the collective effort to keep Enugu safe.

Today, Enugu can confidently host large-scale events like the 2025 NBA Conference and boasts a vibrant nightlife across areas such as New Haven, Ogui, Presidential Road, and Damija Avenue. Residents no longer fear for their safety, leading to increased investor confidence and a thriving economy.

The sense of assurance that Enugu’s strengthened security provides is evident in the words of Rt. Rev. Onyekachi Onyia, Trustee of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund: “If terrorists are able to get through Enugu, the entire South East is finished. We cannot afford to leave Enugu porous.”

Under Dr. Mbah’s leadership, Enugu has become a model for Nigeria and a beacon for the entire South East. The state’s transformation is a testament to courage, innovation, and visionary governance. Truly, tomorrow is here.