The Enugu State Police Command has rescued 28 kidnapped victims and arrested 10 suspects in a series of coordinated operations across the state, aimed at curbing violent crime and kidnapping.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday through the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe. He said the operations, carried out in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards, and local communities, are part of sustained efforts to rid the state of “unrepentant violent criminals.”
“We successfully rescued 28 kidnapped victims, arrested 10 male suspects, and recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other incriminating exhibits,” Giwa stated.
Multiple Rescue Operations
In one operation, police operatives from the Umumba Division, with local security support, rescued two male and two female victims kidnapped along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area. Four male suspects linked to the crime were arrested during the tactical bush-combing operation and are currently assisting with investigations.
On the same day, officers from the 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call and rescued a male suspect from a mob attack. The suspect, along with three accomplices, had attempted to kidnap a woman who raised the alarm, prompting their escape. The rearrested suspect, severely beaten by the mob, was hospitalized and is under investigation.
Another significant operation took place on May 17, 2025, when operatives from Okpuje Division, alongside Forest Guards and community members, conducted a bush-combing raid in a forest bordering Okpuje (Enugu State) and Odolu (Kogi State). They intercepted two men in possession of ₦220,000, believed to be intended ransom, along with food items demanded by the kidnappers.
The team encountered armed resistance but overpowered the kidnappers in a gun battle, rescuing the victims unhurt. A pump-action rifle and two live cartridges were recovered, while the suspects fled with gunshot wounds. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals are ongoing.
21 Victims Rescued in Kogi Operation
On May 14, at around 5:30 a.m., a joint operation involving operatives from Igbo-Eze North Division, the military, and Neighbourhood Watch, led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims in Amaka-Okpodu community, Kogi State. The victims had been abducted four days earlier while returning from a traditional marriage ceremony.
Five male suspects were later arrested, and three firearms were recovered. A minibus and four motorcycles used by the victims were also retrieved at the scene.
Anti-Kidnapping Squad Rescue
In another incident, on May 13, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, rescued a kidnapped victim along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. The victim’s Toyota Camry was recovered, along with two other vehicles—a white Toyota Corolla (ENU 703 LP) used by the suspects, and a Lexus 330 Jeep abandoned at the kidnapping scene in Premier Layout, Independence Layout, Enugu.
CP Giwa Commends Teamwork
CP Giwa praised the commitment of police operatives, security partners, and community members who participated in the operations. He reiterated the Command’s dedication to making Enugu State safer by dismantling criminal networks.
“We urge residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies as we intensify efforts to eliminate violent crime from the state,” he added.
