The Enugu State Police Command has announced a series of major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on violent crimes, particularly kidnapping, following a string of coordinated, intelligence‑driven operations across the state.
Between July 5 and July 16, 2025, police operatives neutralised one armed kidnapping suspect, arrested five others, rescued a kidnapped victim, and recovered an AK‑47 rifle with two live rounds, a Toyota Corolla vehicle, N10 million in ransom cash, and other exhibits.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, July 17, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the most recent operation occurred on July 16 at about 3:00 p.m. when operatives attached to Okpuje Division, working with Neighbourhood Watch members, Forest Guards, and local hunters, responded to a distress call about armed kidnappers in a forest at Okpuje‑Ani, Nsukka LGA.
“Upon arrival, the armed suspects engaged the team. The operatives returned fire, neutralising one of the suspects while others escaped. An AK‑47 rifle loaded with two live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the neutralised suspect,” the statement revealed.
Later that same day, at about 4:00 p.m., operatives of the Anti‑Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested one Aliyu Adamu, a 23‑year‑old male from Awka, Anambra State, along the Enugu‑Onitsha Expressway at Ugwu‑Onyeama.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings and stated that he had been invited from Awka by another suspect now at large for criminal operations in Enugu State,” the Command disclosed.
On July 15, at about 2:20 p.m., two female suspects—identified as sisters Juliet Chukwu, 39, and Nancy Chukwu, 40—were arrested by the Anti‑Cultism Tactical Squad in an intelligence‑led operation.
“The suspects, who claimed to be law enforcement officers, were apprehended while sharing a ransom of ₦10,000,000.00. The ransom was obtained from their kinsman, whom they had conspired to kidnap on July 14, 2025, after initially demanding ₦50,000,000.00,” the statement said. The victim was rescued unharmed, and the operatives recovered the ransom cash and a Toyota Corolla vehicle.
Earlier, on July 5, at about 5:30 p.m., two male suspects—Usman Musa, 20, and Musa Zaria, 24, both from Kogi State—were arrested at Okemmou, 9th Mile Corner, Udi LGA. They were found with clothing and a wristwatch belonging to two men kidnapped on July 4.
“The victims later identified both the items and the suspects as those involved in their abduction,” the police reported.
All arrested suspects are to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices.
Commending his men, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised their “bravery, professionalism, and swift responses” and assured residents:
“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to eliminating criminal elements from Enugu State and ensuring the continued safety and security of all citizens.”
