By Ikpechukwu Ojobor
The Enugu State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim, neutralised one of his abductors, and recovered arms and the gang’s operational vehicle during a coordinated operation in the early hours of Saturday, May 3.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the daring rescue was carried out by operatives of the CP’s Monitoring Unit and the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad. The operation also led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrelled pistol loaded with two live cartridges and a green Nissan Almera car used by the gang.
The victim was abducted at about 9:00 p.m. on April 2, 2025, in the Government Residential Area (GRA) of Enugu. The suspects, who reportedly shot sporadically before seizing their target, fled the scene in the victim’s Mercedes Jeep and took him to an undisclosed location.
Acting on the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, promptly mobilised intelligence and tactical assets to track down the kidnappers.
“Through coordinated efforts, the operatives traced the gang to their hideout in a valley within the Ngwo axis,” the statement read. “A shootout ensued, resulting in the death of one suspect and the safe rescue of the victim.”
The police further disclosed that the kidnappers had forcefully withdrawn ₦2.25 million from the victim’s account before the rescue. This came after initially demanding a ransom of ₦20 million.
Commending his men for the successful operation, CP Giwa ordered an intensified manhunt for the fleeing suspects and the recovery of the victim’s vehicle.
“This Command remains committed to flushing out unrepentant criminals from Enugu State,” Giwa said. “We urge residents to support our efforts by providing useful information.”
The police also reassured the public of continued efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.
