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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A woman abducted by suspected kidnappers along Anuka Road in Okpuje, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been rescued unharmed by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command following a swift intelligence-led operation.
One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised during a gun battle with security operatives, while other members of the gang escaped into a nearby forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said the incident occurred at about 10:10 a.m. on Friday when armed men reportedly emerged from a forest and abducted the woman along the road.
He said the distress call prompted the Divisional Police Officer of Okpuje Division to immediately mobilise police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch, who tracked the kidnappers into the Anuka forest near the Enugu-Kogi State boundary.
Ndukwe said: “During the ensuing gun duel, one suspect was neutralized, while others fled with suspected gunshot injuries. The victim was rescued unhurt, while her two children and motorcycle, left behind by the kidnappers at the scene, were also secured.”
According to him, the rescued woman and her children have since been reunited with their family, while security operatives have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Police spokesman added that the operation was intelligence-driven and underscored the Command’s determination to tackle violent crimes across the state.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, commended the police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch for what he described as their prompt response and effective collaboration.
The Commissioner said the Command would continue to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal gangs operating within the state.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible and timely information that could aid efforts to prevent and combat crime.
“The Command remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations against violent crime,” Giwa said, urging members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing useful information on criminal activities.
