Police Kill Over 30 Suspected Kidnappers, UGM in Enugu

In a series of intensified operations across Enugu State, security forces have reportedly neutralized more than 30 suspected kidnappers, including members of the notorious Biafra Auto Pilot faction, also known as Unknown Gunmen. This faction, a breakaway group from the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to Finland-based Simon Ekpa, has been a major source of terror in the region.

The crackdown, which has unfolded over the past two weeks, was revealed in a statement released Wednesday by Governor Peter Mbah’s media office. The statement quoted Police Superintendent Onochie Ezeh, who led a joint security task force in a rescue operation at Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Road during the early hours of Wednesday.

The operation successfully dismantled a seven-member kidnapping gang operating from a large poultry farm at Ogbeke Nike, where they had been holding hostages.

“We had been tracking these kidnappers for over three months,” explained SP Ezeh. “They operated along this axis, using the poultry farm at Ogbeke Nike as a hideout for their victims, who were held until ransoms were paid. Acting on a tip-off from vigilant members of the public and accounts from previous victims, we launched a tactical assault. Upon our arrival, the criminals opened fire, but we quickly responded, overpowering them with superior firepower.”

This successful raid is part of broader, sustained efforts by the Enugu State government to eliminate criminal activities within the state, particularly those perpetrated by kidnappers and unknown gunmen, often operating from neighboring states. The security task force, established by Governor Peter Mbah, has made significant strides in restoring order, with SP Ezeh noting that their mission is far from complete.

“This is a dedicated tactical squad tasked with eradicating all forms of threats in Enugu State,” Ezeh said. “We’ve had notable successes over the past few months. Our priority is to ensure peace and safety for every citizen and resident of the state. To date, we have neutralized over seven criminal gangs, predominantly kidnappers and unknown gunmen, and we are relentless in our pursuit.”

Ezeh further disclosed that the task force has identified and dismantled several criminal hideouts across the state, including locations in New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, Akegbe-Ugwu, Four Corners, Awgu, Mgbowo, Emene, Eke, Afa in Udi, and parts of Isi Uzo local government area. In these operations, more than 30 kidnappers have been neutralized, and a significant cache of weapons and valuables has been recovered.

Among the rescued victims was Dr. Kate Pamela, who shared her harrowing experience, having been held captive for five days at the Ogbeke Nike poultry farm. “The ordeal was traumatizing,” Dr. Pamela recounted. “They even killed two hostages whose families could not meet the ransom demands. While I identified three of the kidnappers after they were killed, I believe justice will only be served if the government shuts down that farm permanently. It should be turned into a landfill.”

The ongoing operations reflect the state’s commitment to tackling criminal elements head-on, with Governor Mbah’s directive clear: security forces are not to return until Enugu State is free from these threats.