Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response and Special Intervention Squads on Friday raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, killing two suspected kidnappers.
The operatives carried out the raid on Thursday, October 17, 2024, around 8 pm following diligently gathering actionable intelligence. A spokesman of the police Command, Daniel Ndukwe disclosed in a statement, that the kidnappers opened fire on the security operatives on sighting them which resulted in a gun duel.
Ndukwe said two of the suspects were neutralised in the process while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. He added that a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate was ongoing.
“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 twenty-five rounds of live ammunition,” the state’s police spokesman said.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the criminal gang had demanded a ransom of N40 million 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.
“Furthermore, the buildings used for these criminal acts, including the present one, have been destroyed by the Enugu State Government,” Ndukwe said. The statement conveyed the commendation of the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, for the operatives’ efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state. The CP also urged the public to remain law-abiding, and vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts.
