Enugu Police Kill Two Kidnap Suspects, Rescue Victim in Daring Raid

In a successful operation on Thursday, officers of the Enugu State Police Command raided a notorious kidnappers’ hideout in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, killing two suspects and rescuing a victim held captive by the gang.

The police spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Friday, detailing the events of the raid. According to Ndukwe, the operation, which took place on the evening of October 17, 2024, was the result of thorough intelligence gathering by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response, and Special Intervention Squads.

Upon arrival at the den, the officers were met with gunfire from the kidnappers. In the ensuing exchange, two of the suspects were killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds. A manhunt for the remaining members of the syndicate is ongoing.

The rescued victim, identified as the personal assistant to a local public figure, had been abducted on September 27, 2024, in the Trans-Ekulu area of Enugu. He was freed unharmed during the raid.

The police recovered significant weaponry at the scene, including one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 125 rounds of live ammunition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N40 million for the victim’s release. Ndukwe further disclosed that the gang is linked to multiple abductions within Enugu and surrounding areas, with several of their members already in police custody facing prosecution. Properties used for their operations, including the current hideout, have been demolished by the Enugu State Government.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, praised the operatives for their bravery and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes across the state.