Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Police Command in Enugu State, says two kidnappers have met their Waterloo as operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response and Special Intervention Squads, raided their hideout in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area.
DSP Daniel Ndukwe made this known in a statement made available to Ikengaonline in Enugu.
Ndukwe said the successful operation was carried out on Thursday October 17, 2024, around 8 p.m.
“This was made possible following a diligently gathered actionable intelligence,” he said.
He said: “Upon the operatives’ arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” he said.
According to the PPRO: “Manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate is underway.
“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 and twenty-five rounds of live ammunition.”
Speaking further on the incidents leading to the raid and rescue operation, Ndukwe said that, preliminary investigations revealed that: “this criminal group had demanded a ransom of forty million Naira (N40,000,000.00) for the release of the victim.
“The group is also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within Enugu metropolis and its environs,” he said.
He added that 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.”
He said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, had, commended the operatives for their efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state.
He called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts.
