Enugu Police Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Suspect, Arrest Another in Coordinated Raids
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In a significant breakthrough against criminality in Enugu State, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, neutralised one suspect, and arrested another in multiple coordinated operations across the state. The operations, carried out between May 20 and 23, 2025, also led to the recovery of a firearm, a vehicle, and other key exhibits.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the rescue efforts were a result of intelligence-led raids and community collaboration, executed on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa.
“Our officers are under clear instruction to take the fight directly to criminal elements,” CP Giwa declared. “We are not only reacting to crimes—we are staying ahead of them through actionable intelligence, community support, and operational synergy with local security partners.”
Forest Raid Yields Major Rescue
On May 23, a joint team of officers from Okpuje Division, Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters stormed a forest bordering Enugu and Kogi States, where eight kidnapped persons were being held. Following a gun duel, one suspect was neutralised while others fled with bullet wounds. All eight victims were rescued unharmed.
“We were determined to bring everyone out safely,” one officer involved in the operation said. “Our coordinated strategy paid off.”
Nine Victims Rescued in Uzo-Uwani
A day earlier, on May 22, the Oji-River Area Commander led a joint force to Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area and rescued nine kidnapped victims who had been abducted along Olo-Umulokpa Road. The assailants, confronted by the advancing team, abandoned their captives and fled. All victims have since been reunited with their families.
Also that day, in Ekochin Layout, Udi LGA, 9th Mile Police operatives swiftly responded to a distress call and foiled an armed robbery attempt. Though the suspects escaped, a cut-to-size single-barrel gun and an expended cartridge were recovered from the scene.
Ongoing Victim Recoveries Across the State
On May 21, two male victims who had been abducted in Ezimo, Udenu LGA on May 16 were rescued from a forest in Amalla-Egazi by operatives of Udenu Division working alongside Forest Guards and Neighbourhood Watch members.
That same day, officers from Uwani Division recovered a female victim and her Toyota Sienna vehicle at Gariki, Awkunanaw, Enugu. “The suspects abandoned the car and ran when they saw our team,” a police source confirmed. Both victims were safely returned to their families.
Suspect Arrested in Akwuke Kidnap Case
In another operation on May 20, officers from Awkunanaw Division rescued a man who had been kidnapped and held in an uncompleted building in Akwuke-Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA. His abductors had already extorted ₦30,000 from his relatives before the police swooped in. One suspect was arrested on the spot, and efforts to capture the rest of the gang are underway.
Commissioner Praises Officers, Calls for Vigilance
Commending the bravery and professionalism of the operatives, CP Giwa praised the synergy between law enforcement and local security groups. “These successful outcomes are the result of strong community engagement, timely intelligence, and relentless policing,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies. “We must not relent. Public support remains our strongest asset in this fight against crime,” he added.
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