The Enugu State Police Command has successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and neutralized two suspects in two separate operations conducted in the state. This was disclosed in a statement by the command's spokesperson, Superintendent Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday in Enugu.
First Operation: Kidnapping Attempt Foiled
According to Mr. Ndukwe, the police received intelligence at approximately 8:30 p.m. on May 30 that a gang of about five armed men was attempting to kidnap an individual along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis of Enugu. Operatives attached to the command's Trans-Ekulu Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, swiftly responded and encountered the suspects, who opened fire on them.
“Our operatives responded with precision and fatally immobilised one of the suspects, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” Mr. Ndukwe stated. The suspect was immediately taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. One AK-47 rifle, a double magazine loaded with thirty rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, and two mobile phones were recovered from the neutralised suspect.
Second Operation: Armed Robbery Response
Further intelligence-led operations by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol connected to the criminal gang. On the same date at about 9:19 p.m., the police received information that a gang of armed robbers had invaded a residence in Owo community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu. The gang was robbing a male victim of his personal belongings.
Operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, in conjunction with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, immediately mobilised to the scene and engaged the suspects. Upon sighting the operatives, the criminal suspects opened fire on the team. The operatives responded and shot dead one of the suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. One locally-made double-barrelled pistol loaded with one live cartridge was recovered from the slain suspect.
Recovered Items and Ongoing Investigations
In total, three firearms—including an AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol, and a locally-fabricated double-barrelled pistol—two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm calibre ammunition, one live cartridge, and phones were recovered during the operations. Mr. Ndukwe stated, “Operational efforts have been intensified to detain the fleeing suspects and recover additional exhibits, while investigations into both incidents are ongoing.”
Commissioner's Commendation
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, commended the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group for their bravery, professionalism, and prompt response. He reiterated the command’s resolve to protecting lives and property in the state and urged citizens to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to enhance public safety.
