In an operation aimed at combating the rising cases of kidnappings in the Enugu state, the Enugu state command of the Nigeria Police Force has successfully raided a kidnapper’s hideout in the Nokpa-Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area the State. This operation successfully secured the release of several kidnapped victims. The statement further stated that two of the kidnap suspects lost their lives during a fierce exchange of gunfire with the Police.
The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe stated that the operation took place on the 17th of October around 8 p.m. He detailed that the raid was carried out by combined forces of the Enugu State Police Command’s “Anti-Kidnapping”, “Distress Response”, and “Special Intervention Squads,” who acted on gathered intelligence disclosing the location of the kidnappers. Mr. Ndukwe further stated that the police operatives faced steep resistance as the suspects opened gunfire upon sighting the Police.
The ensuing exchange of gunfire, led to the death of two of the kidnappers while the other suspects fled with various levels of injuries. The police have since launched a manhunt to track down the fleeing suspects. The Police recovered different ammunitions which included one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and an astonishing 125 rounds of live ammunition.
Mr. Ndukwe elaborated that preliminary findings in the ongoing investigation has revealed that this group has been involved in multiple kidnapping incidents around Enugu and its surroundings. “Some of their members have been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition previously recovered from them,” he stated. In addition to the arrests, the Enugu State Government has taken proactive measures against these criminal elements by demolishing the buildings linked to such illicit activities, including the site of the recent raid. This action is part of a broader campaign to dismantle the kidnapping syndicate in the state.
The Commissioner of Police for Enugu State, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, has commended the efforts of the joint taskforce which carried out the operation. He emphasized the NPF unwavering commitment to eradicating crime in the state, reiterating the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. “The public must remain law-abiding and vigilant, and support the police in their ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security,” he urged.
