The Enugu State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against violent crimes, particularly kidnapping. Through a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted between July 5 and 16, 2025, the Command successfully neutralized one armed kidnapping suspect, arrested five others, and rescued a kidnapped victim.
The police also arrested two female suspects, Juliet Chukwu, aged 39, and Nancy Chukwu, aged 40, who claimed to be law enforcement officers. One serves with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps while the other serves with the Nigeria Immigration Service. The suspects, who are blood sisters, were apprehended while sharing a ransom of ₦10,000,000.00, which they had obtained from their kinsman after demanding ₦50,000,000.00. The victim was rescued unharmed, and the operatives recovered the ransom cash and a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to one of the suspects.
An AK-47 rifle with two rounds of live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla vehicle, ₦10,000,000.00 in cash obtained as ransom, and other incriminating exhibits were recovered. According to the police, the operations were carried out in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters.
On July 16, 2025, police operatives attached to Okpuje Division responded to a distress call regarding suspected armed kidnappers sighted in a forest at Okpuje-Ani community in Nsukka LGA. Upon arrival, the armed suspects engaged the team, and the operatives returned fire, neutralizing one of the suspects while others escaped. An AK-47 rifle loaded with two live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the neutralized suspect.
In a separate operation on the same day, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested one Aliyu Adamu, aged 23, at Ugwu-Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. 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.
Earlier, on July 5, 2025, 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 Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has commended the operatives for their bravery, professionalism, and swift responses. He reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to eliminating criminal elements from the state and ensuring the continued safety and security of all citizens.
The arrested suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded, and efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects at large. The Enugu State Police Command’s recent successes demonstrate its determination to tackle violent crimes and restore peace and security in the state.
