From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Enugu State Police Command has rescued 28 kidnapped victims and arrested 10 suspects.
Also, the command also recovered firearms, ammunition, vehicles, and other exhibits in a series of coordinated anti-crime operations across the state.
In a statement by Enugu state police public relations officer, Daniel Ndukwe, he explained that the successful operations were carried out under the directive of Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa.
“As part of sustained efforts to rid Enugu State of unrepentant violent criminals, operatives of the state police command, under the directive of CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, have successfully rescued 28 kidnapped victims, arrested 10 male suspects, and recovered firearms, ammunition, money , vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits in multiple coordinated operations.
“One of the major breakthroughs came on May 18, 2025, around 6:30 pm., when operatives attached to Umumba Police Division, working closely with Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards, and local community members, rescued four kidnap victims, two males and two females, along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu LGA.
“Four male suspects linked to the crime were immediately arrested and are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
“Also on May 18, at about 6:34 pm., officers from 9th Mile Division, responded to a distress call and rescued a yet-to-be-identified suspect from a mob after he and three others attempted to kidnap a woman.
“The suspect and three others had attempted to kidnap a woman, who raised the alarm and was abandoned by the suspects. The rearrested suspect, who was severely beaten by the mob, was taken to hospital for treatment and he is being investigated further.
“On May 17, another operation was conducted by operatives from Okpuje Police Division in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards. This happened in a forest bordering Enugu and Kogi states.
“During the operation, they intercepted two men found with ₦150,000.00 and ₦70,000.00 respectively, intended for ransom payments, as well as loaves of bread and drinks menacingly requested by the kidnappers.
“When the operatives encountered resistance from armed kidnappers, they responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee, abandoning their victims and some weapons.
“The victims were rescued unhurt and the exhibits recovered. Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
“In another coordinated operation on May 14, police operatives from Igbo-Eze North Division, supported by the military and Neighbourhood Watch, rescued 21 victims in Amaka-Okpodu community, Kogi State.
“The victims, some of whom were returning from a traditional marriage ceremony, had been allegedly abducted on May 10, 2025, along Iyionu-Aguibeje Road in Igbo-Eze North LGA by hooded armed men.
“Five suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence, and three firearms were recovered. A minibus and four motorcycles belonging to the victims were also retrieved.
“Another operation on May 13, 2025, at about 9:45 pm, the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad rescued a victim along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and recover his Toyota Camry.
“A white Toyota Corolla with registration number:ENU 703 LP, used by the suspects and a Lexus 330 Jeep abandoned at the kidnapping scene in Premier Layout, Independence Layout, Enugu, were also recovered.
“Commending the efforts of his men and collaborating agencies, Mamman Giwa reaffirmed his resolve to rid the state of violent crime.
“He reaffirms the command’s commitment to make Enugu state safer and more secured by rooting out violent criminals and their activities, urging residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with police and other law enforcement agencies,” the statement concluded.