The Enugu State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of 28 kidnapped victims and the arrest of 10 suspects during multiple coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state.

 

Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday through the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe. He said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to rid Enugu State of violent criminals.

 

“We have successfully rescued 28 kidnapped victims, arrested 10 male suspects, and recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits,” Giwa stated. “These operations were conducted in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and community members.”

 

In one operation on May 18, operatives from the Umumba Police Division, alongside community security groups, rescued four victims—two men and two women—who had been kidnapped along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area. Four suspects linked to the crime were arrested and are currently under investigation.

 

That same day, personnel from the 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call and rescued a male suspect from a violent mob after an attempted kidnapping. The suspect, part of a group that tried to abduct a woman, was abandoned by his accomplices when she raised an alarm. He is currently receiving medical treatment and is under police custody.

 

On May 17, operatives from Okpuje Division, in a joint bush-combing operation with community security forces in a forest bordering Enugu and Kogi States, intercepted two men carrying a combined ₦220,000—suspected ransom payments—alongside food items demanded by kidnappers. A fierce gun battle ensued during the operation, but the police overpowered the kidnappers, who fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning their captives. A pump-action gun and two live cartridges were recovered.

 

On May 14, security forces, including the military and Neighbourhood Watch, rescued 21 victims from Amaka-Okpodu community in Kogi State. The victims, who were returning from a traditional marriage ceremony, had been abducted four days earlier along the Iyionu-Aguibeje Road in Igbo-Eze North LGA. Five suspects were arrested and three firearms were recovered. The victims’ minibus and four motorcycles were also retrieved from the crime scene.

 

In another operation on May 13, officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad rescued a victim along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. A Toyota Camry belonging to the victim was recovered, along with a white Toyota Corolla (registration ENU 703 LP) and a Lexus 330 Jeep abandoned by the kidnappers at Premier Layout, Enugu. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

 

Commissioner Giwa praised the dedication of police personnel, other security agencies, and cooperative community members, reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Enugu State.

 

He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of law enforcement efforts to sustain peace and security in the region.