THE Enugu State Police Command has successfully rescued 28 kidnap victims and detained 10 suspects in a series of coordinated operations across the state over the past 10 days.
Firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits were also recovered during these efforts.
This information was disclosed yesterday in Enugu by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who described the achievements as part of the Command’s ongoing campaign to eliminate violent criminals from the state.
“On May 18, at approximately 6:30 p.m., operatives from Umumba Police Division, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and community members, rescued two male and two female victims who had been abducted along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area,” Ndukwe said.
“This followed a tactical bush-combing operation. Four male suspects linked to the crime were immediately arrested and are currently assisting with investigations.”
On the same day, at about 6:34 p.m., officers from the 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call, arresting a suspect involved in an attempted kidnapping. The suspect, along with three accomplices, tried to abduct a woman who raised an alarm. The suspect was severely beaten by a mob before being taken to the hospital for treatment and remains under investigation.
Similarly, on May 17, operatives from Okpuje Police Division, working with the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards, conducted a strategic bush-combing operation in a forest on the border between Okpuje in Enugu and Odolu in Kogi State.
“During the operation, two men were intercepted carrying ₦150,000 and ₦70,000 respectively, suspected ransom payments, alongside loaves of bread and drinks requested by the kidnappers,” Ndukwe explained.
“Armed kidnappers resisted the operation, but police responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee, leaving behind victims, a pump-action gun, and two live cartridges. The victims were rescued unharmed. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects continue.”
Earlier, on May 14, at about 5:30 a.m., operatives from Igbo-Eze North Division, in conjunction with the Military and Neighbourhood Watch, rescued 21 kidnapped individuals from the Amaka-Okpodu community in Kogi State. The victims, some returning from a traditional marriage ceremony, had been abducted on May 10 along the Iyionu-Aguibeje Road in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area by hooded armed men.
Following credible intelligence, five male suspects were arrested, and three firearms were recovered. Additionally, a minibus and four motorcycles used by the victims were recovered at the scene.
In a separate incident on May 13, at about 9:45 p.m., officers from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad rescued a kidnapped victim along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and recovered his Toyota Camry.
A white Toyota Corolla (registration number ENU 703 LP) and a Lexus 330 Jeep, abandoned by suspects in Premier Layout, Independence Layout, Enugu, were also recovered.
Operations to track down all fleeing suspects remain ongoing.
SP Ndukwe said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, commended all operatives, collaborating security agencies, and law-abiding community members for their roles in the successful operations.
He added that the Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to making Enugu State safer by eradicating violent criminals and urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with law enforcement agencies.
