Ogona Anita
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have rescued 28 kidnapped victims, arrested 10 suspects, and recovered firearms, ammunition, vehicles, and other exhibits in a series of coordinated anti-crime operations across the state.
The operations, carried out under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, spanned from May 13 to May 18, 2025, and involved strategic collaborations with local security outfits including the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, the Military, and vigilant community members.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on May 18 at about 6:30 p.m., operatives from the Umumba Division, working with local security groups, rescued four kidnap victims—two men and two women—along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area. Four male suspects were arrested at the scene and are currently assisting police investigations.
Later the same day, operatives from the 9th Mile Division swiftly responded to a distress call involving an attempted kidnap. A yet-to-be identified male suspect was rescued and rearrested from a violent mob after he and three accomplices tried to abduct a woman who raised an alarm. “The suspect, who was severely beaten by the mob, was taken to hospital and is under investigation,” Ndukwe confirmed.
On May 17, operatives from the Okpuje Police Division, alongside the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards, carried out a bush-combing operation in a forest between Okpuje in Enugu and Odolu in Kogi State. The team intercepted two men found with cash—₦150,000 and ₦70,000—suspected to be ransom payments, as well as loaves of bread and drinks requested by kidnappers.
“During the operation, the team encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers but responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee with gunshot wounds,” said Ndukwe. The victims were rescued unharmed, while a pump-action gun and two live cartridges were recovered. Manhunt efforts for the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
In a related operation on May 14, at about 5:30 a.m., a joint team of police operatives from Igbo-Eze North Division, military personnel, and Neighbourhood Watch members rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Amaka-Okpodu, Kogi State. The victims, abducted on May 10 while returning from a traditional marriage ceremony, were held by hooded gunmen along the Iyionu-Aguibeje Road.
“Five suspects were arrested following credible intelligence, and three firearms were recovered. A minibus and four motorcycles used by the victims before their abduction were also recovered,” Ndukwe added.
On May 13, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, acting on a tip-off, rescued a kidnapped victim along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and recovered his Toyota Camry. The squad also recovered a white Toyota Corolla with registration number ENU 703 LP used by the suspects, as well as a Lexus 330 Jeep abandoned at the crime scene in Premier Layout, Independence Layout, Enugu.
Commending the efforts of all involved in the operations, CP Giwa praised the dedication of police operatives and the collaboration of local security groups and community members. “These achievements underscore our commitment to making Enugu State safer and more secure,” said the police chief.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies in the fight against crime, assuring that the command will continue to go after criminals until they are brought to justice.
“We are determined to rid Enugu State of unrepentant violent criminals. With the cooperation of the people, we will continue to make progress,” CP Giwa reaffirmed.
