…rescue a kidnapped victim, neutralise two of the suspects, recover sophisticated rifles, and live ammunition.
…CP Kanayo reaffirms the police’s commitment to sustained action against violent criminals.
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 in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, following a diligently gathered actionable intelligence.
Upon the operatives’ arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. A manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate is underway.
According to a press release on Friday, October 18, 2024, signed by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, a male victim, identified as the personal assistant (PA) to a public figure (names withheld), kidnapped by the gang on September 27, 2024, in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, was rescued unharmed. During the operation, the police recovered one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and one hundred twenty-five rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group had demanded a ransom of forty million Naira (N40,000,000.00) for the release of the victim. The group is also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within the Enugu metropolis and its environs. Some of their members had previously been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them.
Furthermore, the Enugu State government has destroyed the buildings used for these criminal acts, including the present one.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has commended the operatives’ efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state. He has called on the public to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to support the police in their efforts.
