A suspected kidnapper was killed on Sunday morning as operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Ngene-Ukwu axis of the Adani–Nsukka Road in Enugu State.
The incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on January 18, 2026, when police operatives attached to the Adani Division, working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, engaged armed kidnapping suspects in a gun duel while responding to intelligence on criminal activity in the area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the suspects had emerged from a nearby bush with the intention of abducting occupants of a vehicle plying the route.
“In the course of the intense exchange of gunfire, one of the suspects was neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered,” Ndukwe stated. He added that other members of the criminal gang escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
He explained that the suspects opened fire on sighting the security operatives, who “responded with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of one of the kidnappers, while the others fled the scene.”
The police spokesman said efforts had been intensified to trace, identify, and arrest the fleeing suspects and to dismantle the entire criminal network behind the attempted kidnapping.
Ndukwe urged members of the public, particularly residents and healthcare providers in the area, to support ongoing operations by promptly reporting anyone presenting with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station or security formation.
Commending the operatives for their bravery, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised their gallantry and professionalism during the operation.
“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment, in synergy with other security agencies, to rid Enugu State of violent criminal elements and to ensure the continued safety and security of all residents,” Giwa assured.
The police reiterated their call for vigilance and cooperation from the public as security operations continue across the state.
