The Enugu State Police Command has rescued 28 kidnapped victims and arrested 10 suspects in a series of coordinated operations across different parts of the state and bordering communities, as part of intensified efforts to curb violent crime.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed that the operations also led to the recovery of firearms, live ammunition, cash believed to be ransom payments, vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits.
According to the statement, on May 18, police operatives attached to the Umumba Division, working alongside local Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards, and members of the community, rescued four kidnap victims—two male and two female—along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area. Four suspects were arrested at the scene and are currently in custody.
Also on May 18, operatives from the 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call and rescued an attempted kidnap suspect from a mob attack. The suspect had allegedly attempted to abduct a woman with three accomplices who fled after the victim raised an alarm. He is receiving medical attention and is under investigation.
On May 17, in an operation around the Okpuje forest area bordering Kogi State, operatives from the Okpuje Division, assisted by community-based security groups, intercepted two individuals carrying cash and food items reportedly intended as ransom. During a confrontation with armed kidnappers, police operatives engaged the suspects in a gunfight, forcing them to abandon the hostages and flee. Two victims were rescued unhurt, and a pump-action rifle with live cartridges was recovered.
Earlier, on May 14, police operatives from Igbo-Eze North Division, in collaboration with the military and local vigilante groups, rescued 21 kidnapped individuals in the Amaka-Okpodu area of Kogi State. The victims, who had been abducted days earlier while returning from a traditional marriage ceremony, were freed during a coordinated search. Five suspects were arrested, and three firearms, a minibus, and four motorcycles were recovered.
In another operation on May 13, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad rescued a victim along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. The victim’s Toyota Camry was recovered alongside two other vehicles—one used by the suspects and another abandoned at the crime scene in Independence Layout, Enugu.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the efforts of the operatives, local security partners, and supportive members of the public. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eliminating violent crime and ensuring the safety of all residents in Enugu State. He also urged continued public cooperation, vigilance, and the timely sharing of information with security agencies.
Investigations are ongoing, and efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects continue.