The Enugu State Police Command has rescued 21 kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations across various local government areas of the state.
One suspected kidnapper was neutralised during a gun duel, while another was arrested. A firearm, vehicle, and other exhibits were also recovered.
According to a statement on May 24th, 2025 by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe and made available to ABN TV, the operations were in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, who had ordered intensified intelligence-driven operations against violent crimes.
On May 23, operatives from Okpuje Division, working with Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters, raided a forest on the Enugu-Kogi border, rescuing eight kidnapped victims after a shootout. One suspect was killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
A day earlier, on May 22, a joint team led by the Oji-River Area Commander rescued nine victims abducted along the Olo-Umulokpa Road from Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani LGA. The same day, police from the 9th Mile Division foiled an armed robbery in Ekochin Layout, Udi LGA, recovering a cut-to-size gun and an expended cartridge.
On May 21, two men kidnapped on May 16 in Ezimo, Udenu LGA, were rescued from a forest in Amalla-Egazi. Also, a female victim and her Toyota Sienna were recovered by Uwani Division operatives in Gariki, Awkunanaw, as suspects fled the scene.
In another operation on May 20, Awkunanaw Division rescued a man kidnapped a day earlier and held in an uncompleted building in Akwuke-Awkunanaw. His captors had extorted ₦30,000 from his relatives. One suspect was arrested.
CP Giwa commended the synergy between the Police, community stakeholders, and local security groups, urging officers to sustain the momentum. He also called on residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
