The Enugu State Police Command has killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim during a raid on Thursday.
The police operation, which took place in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, was part of efforts to fight kidnapping in the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, explained in a statement on Friday that the police acted on intelligence before carrying out the operation. He said, “On October 17, 2024, around 8 p.m., operatives from the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response, and Special Intervention Squads raided a kidnappers’ hideout. When they arrived, the kidnappers opened fire, and in response, the operatives neutralised two suspects, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.”
The police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and other members of the group. Ndukwe warned that Enugu will no longer be safe for criminals and their collaborators.
During the raid, the police rescued a male victim, identified as the personal assistant to a public figure, who had been kidnapped on September 27 in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N40 million for his release.
In the operation, the police recovered several weapons, including one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 125 rounds of live ammunition. Ndukwe also noted, “Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group is responsible for several kidnappings within Enugu and its surroundings.”
The Enugu State Government has destroyed buildings used by the criminals for their illegal activities, including the hideout raided by the police.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, praised the operatives for their efforts and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ending violent crimes in the state. He urged the public to stay vigilant, obey the law, and support the police in their work.
