By Jude Chinedu, Enugu
No fewer than 21 kidnapped victims have been rescued in multiple operations carried out by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command across different parts of the state.
The operations also led to the killing of a suspected kidnapper, arrest of another, and recovery of a firearm, vehicle, and other exhibits.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Daniel Ndukwe, the breakthrough followed the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, for intensified onslaught against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
“In furtherance of the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, to intensify the onslaught against kidnapping and violent crimes, Police operatives have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, neutralised one suspect, and arrested another in multiple coordinated operations. The operations also led to the recovery of a firearm, a vehicle, and other exhibits,” the police spokesperson stated.
Detailing the operations, Ndukwe said that on Friday, May 23, 2025, operatives from Okpuje Police Division, working in synergy with Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters, stormed a forest bordering Enugu and Kogi States, where they rescued eight kidnapped victims after a gun battle.
“Eight kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt after a gunfight that left one suspect neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Exhibits linked to the gang were recovered, and efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” he said.
In a similar development on Thursday, May 22, 2025, a joint team led by the Oji-River Police Area Commander stormed Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani LGA and rescued nine persons abducted along the Olo-Umulokpa Road a day earlier. The police noted that the suspects fled after an exchange of gunfire.
“The suspects fled following an exchange of gunfire, and the victims were treated and safely reunited with their families,” he added.
The same day, police operatives from the 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call at Ekochin Layout in Udi LGA and foiled a robbery attempt. “A cut-to-size single-barrel gun and an expended cartridge were recovered, while the suspects escaped. A manhunt is underway,” the statement read.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, operatives from Udenu Division, working with Forest Guards and Neighbourhood Watch members, rescued two kidnapped men from a forest in Amalla-Egazi. The victims had been abducted in Ezimo community on Friday, May 16.
In another incident the same day, operatives from Uwani Police Division rescued a female kidnap victim and recovered her stolen Toyota Sienna vehicle at Gariki, Awkunanaw, Enugu. The suspects reportedly fled on sighting the police.
“Both victims were reunited with their families, while suspects fled on sighting the operatives. Manhunts for the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” the police said.
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, officers from the Awkunanaw Police Division, assisted by Neighbourhood Watch, rescued a man who was abducted a day earlier and tied up in an uncompleted building at Akwuke-Awkunanaw in Enugu South LGA. The victim’s relatives had already paid ₦30,000 in ransom before his rescue.
“One male suspect was arrested, while efforts to track down his accomplices are underway,” Ndukwe said.
Commending the efforts of officers and their local collaborators, CP Mamman Giwa praised the synergy between the police, local security outfits, and community members.
“CP Giwa has commended the officers, community members, and security partners whose collaboration made these successes possible.
“He further directs all supervisory Police officers to sustain proactive and intelligence-driven operations, while urging the public to continue supporting the Police and other security agencies,” the statement concluded.