Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have rescued four kidnap victims during separate security operations in Enugu and neighbouring Benue State, while intensifying efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the operations were carried out through coordinated intelligence involving police personnel, the Nigerian Army, the Enugu State Forest Guards, neighbourhood watch groups, local vigilantes and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
Two Brothers Rescued After Gun Battle
One of the operations led to the rescue of two brothers who were abducted in Ezimo-Ulo, located in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Security teams from the Udenu Police Division, the Anti-Kidnapping Section of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), the Distress Response Squad (DRS) and the Orukam Police Division in Benue tracked the kidnappers to Ikele, in Owukpa Community, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The operation, supported under the Inspector-General of Police’s Handshake Patrol initiative, resulted in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Police said the kidnappers fled the area with suspected gunshot wounds, abandoning their captives, who were rescued unharmed.
Weapons And Other Items Recovered
During the operation, security operatives recovered:
- 15 rounds of live ammunition
- Android phones belonging to the victims
- Vehicle keys
- Additional mobile phones and accessories
- A bottle containing substances suspected to be hard drugs
- Drug-related paraphernalia
- Clothing items
- ₦11,800 in cash
The rescued victims were later debriefed before being reunited with their family.
Investigation Continues
Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Enugu State Police Command reiterated its commitment to working with other security agencies to combat kidnapping and improve public safety across the state.
