Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have killed one kidnapping suspect, arrested five others and rescued a kidnap victim.
Spokesman of the Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe said one AK-47 rifle with two rounds of live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla vehicle and the sum of ₦10million cash obtained as ransom, and other incriminating exhibits were recovered by the police.
SP Ndukwe said police operatives attached to Okpuje Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters on July 16, 2025, at about 3pm, swiftly responded to a distress call regarding suspected armed kidnappers sighted in a forest at Okpuje-Ani community in Nsukka LGA of the State.
He added that upon arrival, the armed suspects engaged the team in gun battle which was returned by the operatives, resulting in neutralising one of the suspects, while others escaped.
The police spokesman said one AK-47 rifle loaded with two live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the neutralised suspect.
Ndukwe added that in a separate operation on the same day at about 4p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Aliyu Adamu – male, aged 23, at Ugwu-Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
He said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings and stated that he had been invited from Awka, Anambra State, by another suspect now at large for criminal operations in Enugu State.
Also, the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested two female suspects identified as Juliet Chukwu, 39 years and Nancy Chukwu, 40, in an intelligence-led operation on July 15, 2025, at about 2:20 p.m.
The suspects, who are sisters and claimed to be law enforcement officers, were apprehended while sharing a ransom of ₦10million.
The ransom was obtained from the suspects’ kinsman, whom they had conspired to kidnap on July 14, 2025, after initially demanding ₦50million
The victim was rescued unharmed, and the operatives recovered the ransom cash and a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to one of the suspects.
“Earlier, on July 5, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested two male suspects: Usman Musa (aged 20) and Musa Zaria (aged 24), both from Kogi State, during a tactical operation at Okemmou, 9th Mile Corner in Udi LGA.
“The suspects were found in possession of clothing and a wristwatch belonging to two male victims kidnapped on July 4, 2025. The victims later identified both the items and the suspects as those involved in their abduction.
“The arrested suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects at large,” the PPRO said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their bravery, professionalism, and swift responses.
He reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to eliminating criminal elements from the state and ensuring continued safety and security of all citizens.
