The Enugu State Police Command has recorded a series of major breakthroughs in its intensified crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The command arrested five suspects, rescued a kidnapped victim, and recovered high-powered weapons and ₦10 million ransom money during multiple operations.
A statement by Command’s Spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the police tactical squads carried out the successful operations from July 5 to 16, 2025, in synergy with community security outfits, including the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters.
According to the release, on July 16, police operatives attached to the Okpuje Division, stormed a forest in Okpuje-Ani community, Nsukka Local Government Area, where a group of armed kidnappers had been sighted.
The hoodlums opened fire on the approaching team, prompting a swift counterattack that led to the death of one of the suspects.
The team recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with two live rounds of ammunition from the neutralised suspect, while others fled.
Barely an hour later, the command recorded another milestone when the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, relying on actionable intelligence, arrested 23-year old Aliyu Adamu at Ugwu-Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Adamu, during interrogation, reportedly confessed to being part of a kidnapping syndicate.
He revealed that he was recruited from Awka, Anambra State, by an accomplice now on the run.
Female kidnap suspects arrested
In a related development, the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, on July 15, apprehended two female suspects – Juliet Chukwu, 39, and Nancy Chukwu, 40.
According to the statement, the two sisters were arrested while sharing ₦10 million ransom allegedly collected from their kinsman after a failed kidnap plot.
The arrest of the duo who claimed to be law enforcement officers, happened a day after the botched abduction.
The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt, and a Toyota Corolla vehicle, along with the entire ransom sum, was recovered.
The statement says that the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad had earlier on July 5, arrested two male suspects – Usman Musa, 20, and Musa Zaria, 24 – from Kogi State.
They were apprehended during a tactical operation in the Okemmou area of 9th Mile, Udi LGA.
Operatives recovered items belonging to two male kidnap victims abducted on July 4 including clothing and a wristwatch from them.
The victims later identified the suspects.
According to the statement, all arrested suspects will be arraigned upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
It explains that efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing members of the various syndicates.
CP Giwa commends professionalism
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the courage and professionalism of the officers involved.
He assured residents of the Command’s unwavering resolve to rid Enugu of criminal elements and maintain public safety across all communities.
“These operations underscore our dedication to responding swiftly to threats and ensuring justice for victims of crime.
“We will not rest until Enugu is completely free of these predators,” CP Giwa said.
The state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, had in recent past issued a firm directive to all security agencies to flush out criminal elements from every inch of Enugu State to ensure that Enugu maintains its status as the safest and most peaceful state in the region.
The governor, reiterated that his administration would continue to mobilize every necessary resource to support law enforcement and make the state a fortress against crime.
He also declared unequivocally that criminals, kidnappers, and their sponsors have no hiding place in Enugu State.
“The government remains resolute in its mission to make the state perpetually unsafe for hoodlums, felons, and all those who threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens,” Mbah said.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and continue to partner with the security operatives by providing timely and credible information that will aid security operations across the state.
