Gladness Gideon
The Enugu State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of 28 kidnapped victims and the arrest of 10 male suspects following a series of coordinated operations across multiple local government areas in the state.
Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa, who disclosed this through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the operations were carried out in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards, and local communities, as part of the force’s ongoing campaign to dismantle violent criminal networks in the state.
In one of the key operations on May 18, operatives from the Umumba Division, supported by community security outfits, rescued four victims—two men and two women—who had been abducted along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area. Four suspects believed to be responsible for the kidnapping were apprehended at the scene and are currently assisting with further investigations.
On the same day, personnel from the 9th Mile Division intervened in a suspected attempted kidnapping, rescuing an unidentified male suspect from a violent mob after a botched abduction attempt. The suspect was treated for injuries sustained during the mob assault and remains under investigation.
Another major breakthrough occurred on May 17 when operatives from the Okpuje Division, in a joint operation with local security outfits, stormed a forest straddling Enugu and Kogi States. The team intercepted two men in possession of ₦220,000 believed to be ransom money, along with food supplies demanded by the kidnappers. Following a brief exchange of gunfire, the kidnappers fled, abandoning their victims, a pump-action rifle, and two live cartridges.
READ ALSO: Police Arrest 12 Kidnappers, Recover Weapons in Multiple Operations
Earlier, on May 14, security forces operating in Igbo-Eze North Division, alongside military personnel and Neighbourhood Watch members, rescued 21 abductees in Amaka-Okpodu community, Kogi State. The victims had reportedly been seized while returning from a traditional marriage ceremony on May 10. Five suspects were arrested, and three firearms were recovered in connection with the crime.
On May 13, operatives from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad rescued another victim along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and recovered the individual’s Toyota Camry. Two other vehicles—believed to have been used by the kidnappers—were also recovered, including a white Toyota Corolla and a Lexus 330 Jeep.
Commissioner Giwa praised the professionalism of his officers, the cooperation of sister security agencies, and the vigilance of community members who supported the operations. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Enugu State and called on residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security forces.
“The fight against violent crime is a collective responsibility. With continued collaboration, we will make Enugu a safer place for all,” Giwa said.