The Enugu State Police Command has rescued 28 kidnap victims and arrested 10 suspects linked to the kidnappings.
This was contained in a statement signed by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday.
Apart from rescuing the kidnapped victims and arresting the suspects involved, the police said in a series of operations conducted over the past 10 days, they also recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other important items connected to the kidnappings.
Ndukwe explained that one significant operation took place on May 18, where police officers, alongside community members and local security groups, rescued four victims, two men and two women who had been abducted in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
Four suspects related to this incident have been detained and are currently being questioned.
On the same day, police responded to a distress call about an attempted kidnapping of a woman and arrested one suspect who had been attacked by a mob and is now in the hospital receiving treatment.
He also said that the police, with the help of local security volunteers, conducted a search in a nearby forest and intercepted two men who were carrying money intended for ransom.
“These men were also found with bread and drinks meant for the kidnappers.
Related Articles:
- Army orders probe into alleged assault of police officer in Ebonyi
- Police quell clash between Keke Riders, youths at Evans Square in Lagos
- Tinubu holds closed door meeting with service chiefs, inspector -general of police
“When the police approached, the kidnappers fought back, but the officers were able to overpower them, leading to the rescue of the victims and the recovery of weapons left behind by the suspects.
“Additionally, on May 14, police, along with military personnel and community members, rescued 21 victims in Kogi State. These individuals had been taken while returning from a wedding.
“Following the rescue, five suspects were arrested, and some guns and vehicles linked to the crime were recovered.
“In another instance on May 13, police saved a victim along a major highway and seized his stolen car, along with a vehicle abandoned by the kidnappers,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr. Mamman Giwa, praised the police and community members for their successful teamwork in these operations.
He emphasised the police’s commitment to making Enugu State a safer place and urged residents to stay alert and cooperate with law enforcement efforts.