The Enugu State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes, rescuing 21 kidnapped victims, neutralizing one suspect, and arresting another in multiple coordinated operations. These operations, carried out in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and community members, also led to the recovery of a firearm, a vehicle, and other exhibits.
In one of the operations on May 23, 2025, Police operatives from Okpuje Division stormed a forest bordering Enugu and Kogi States, rescuing eight kidnapped victims unhurt after a gunfight that left one suspect neutralized. Exhibits linked to the gang were recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. This operation was part of a series of efforts by the police to tackle the scourge of kidnapping in the state.
Earlier, on May 22, 2025, the Oji-River Police Area Commander led a joint team to Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani LGA, where nine victims abducted along Olo-Umulokpa Road the previous day were rescued. The suspects fled following an exchange of gunfire, and the victims were treated and safely reunited with their families. On the same day, Police operatives from the 9th Mile Division foiled an armed robbery attempt at Ekochin Layout, Udi LGA, recovering a cut-to-size single-barrel gun and an expended cartridge.
The police also reported the rescue of two men from a forest at Amalla-Egazi on May 21, 2025, who had been kidnapped on May 16, 2025, in Ezimo community of Udenu LGA. Additionally, Uwani Police Division operatives rescued a female victim and recovered her Toyota Sienna vehicle at Gariki, Awkunanaw, Enugu, on the same day. In another operation, Awkunanaw Police Division operatives rescued a man who had been kidnapped the previous day and tied up in an uncompleted building in Akwuke-Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, arresting one male suspect.
Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has commended the officers, community members, and security partners whose collaboration made these successes possible. He has directed all supervisory Police officers to sustain proactive and intelligence-driven operations, urging the public to continue supporting the Police and other security agencies.
The Enugu State Police Command’s efforts demonstrate its commitment to making the state safer and more secure by rooting out violent criminals and their activities. Residents are urged to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with police and other law enforcement authorities.
