ENUGU: Police rescue 28 kidnap victims, arrest 10 suspects

In a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, the operations are part of intensified efforts to eliminate violent crime in the state.

Giwa disclosed that the operations led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other items.

He added that the police worked in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local communities.

In one operation on May 18, operatives from Umumba Police Division rescued four victims—two men and two women—abducted along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area.

Four male suspects linked to the incident were arrested and are assisting in investigations.

On the same day, police from the 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call and rescued a suspect from a violent mob.

The man and three others had attempted to abduct a woman who raised an alarm.

While the woman escaped, the suspect was caught and beaten by the mob before being taken to a hospital.

In another operation on May 17, operatives from Okpuje Police Division, with local security groups, conducted a bush-combing operation in a forest between Okpuje (Enugu State) and Odolu (Kogi State). They intercepted two men carrying a total of ₦220,000, believed to be ransom money, along with food items demanded by the kidnappers.

Following an exchange of gunfire, the kidnappers fled, leaving behind the victims and a pump-action gun with live cartridges.

Earlier, on May 14, joint security forces including police, military personnel, and the Neighbourhood Watch rescued 21 victims in Amaka-Okpodu, Kogi State.

The victims, returning from a traditional wedding, had been abducted on May 10 along the Iyionu-Aguibeje Road in Igbo-Eze North LGA.

Five suspects were arrested, and three firearms were recovered. A minibus and four motorcycles used by the victims were also found.

On May 13, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad rescued a victim along the Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway and recovered his Toyota Camry. Two vehicles used by the suspects—a white Toyota Corolla (registration number ENU 703 LP) and a Lexus 330 Jeep—were abandoned at the scene.

Commissioner Giwa lauded the efforts of the police, partner security agencies, and supportive community members.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring safety and urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with law enforcement.