By Peter Omopo
The Enugu State Police Command has neutralised a suspected kidnapper and successfully rescued an abducted victim during a joint security operation in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe. According to the statement, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch members and local vigilantes.
SP Ndukwe explained that the operation followed a report that a male victim had been abducted by armed men in the Ezimo-Uno community of Udenu Local Government Area. Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered the immediate deployment of security operatives to rescue the victim and track down the perpetrators.
He said the operatives launched a coordinated operation in the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest areas, where they encountered the suspected kidnappers. The suspects reportedly opened fire on the security team, prompting a response from the operatives.
During the exchange, one of the suspects was neutralised, while others fled deeper into the forest bordering Benue State with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. The abducted victim was rescued unhurt.
Items recovered at the scene include an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition, an extra magazine, two daggers, military camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, assorted food items, cooking utensils and a freshly slaughtered chicken. Police said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes across Enugu State and assured residents of sustained security operations.
He also urged members of the public, particularly health workers and medical service providers, to promptly report anyone seen with gunshot injuries to the police or the nearest security formation. Residents were further encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts in the state.
