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Police. Photo Credit: Elliot Ovadje
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, on Thursday, raided a kidnappers’ hideout, killing two suspected kidnappers and rescuing one victim.
They also recovered the weapons according to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement issued on Friday.
Ndukwe noted that the successful operation was part of the Command’s sustained efforts to tackle kidnapping in the state.
Ndukwe said, “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.”
He revealed a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate had been launched, noting that Enugu State will no longer be safe for the criminals and their collaborators.
He added, “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 and 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.”
Ndukwe also disclosed that the buildings the criminals used for these criminal acts, including the present one, had been destroyed by the Enugu State Government.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives’ efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state.
He called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts.
