Police operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt, neutralized two suspected kidnappers, and recovered weapons in two separate operations across Enugu State.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the police recovered three firearms—including an AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol, and a locally made double-barreled pistol—along with two magazines loaded with thirty rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one live cartridge, mobile phones, and other incriminating evidence during the operations.
Detailing the incidents, Ndukwe said that on May 30, 2026, police operatives from the Trans-Ekulu Division, working alongside the Neighbourhood Watch Group, responded swiftly to information that about five armed men were attempting to kidnap a victim along the Nowas–Abakpa Road in Enugu. Upon arriving at the scene, the team engaged the suspects, who opened fire. The operatives returned fire, fatally incapacitating one suspect, while the others escaped with gunshot wounds. The injured suspect was taken to hospital, where he was confirmed dead. Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, two fully loaded magazines, and two mobile phones from the scene.
Further intelligence-led efforts by the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol linked to the criminal gang.
On the same day at about 9:19 p.m., the Command received a report of an armed robbery in Owo Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area. Suspects had invaded a residence and were robbing a man of his belongings. Police operatives from the Amechi-Idodo Division, again in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, mobilized to the scene. The suspects opened fire upon sighting the team, who responded and neutralized one suspect while the others fled with injuries. A locally made double-barreled pistol loaded with a live cartridge was recovered from the neutralized suspect.
Ndukwe noted that intensified efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover further evidence, with investigations ongoing.
Commending the operatives and Neighbourhood Watch Group members for their bravery and professionalism, Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to aid security agencies in enhancing public safety.
