Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch Group, and local vigilantes, have neutralised a suspected kidnapper, rescued an abducted victim, and recovered a high-powered firearm and other incriminating items during a coordinated security operation in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.
The joint operation followed a distress report received in the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2026, indicating that a male victim had been kidnapped by armed men in Ezimo-Uno community.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, upon receiving the report, ordered the immediate mobilisation of all security assets within the area to ensure the victim’s rescue and the arrest of the perpetrators.
“Acting on the Commissioner’s directive, operatives swiftly launched a coordinated operation to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim,” the statement said.
During the operation, which extended into the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest areas, the security teams encountered the kidnappers, who reportedly opened fire on them.
“The operatives responded with professionalism, mastery, and precision, resulting in the neutralisation of one of the suspects, while others escaped deeper into the forest bordering Benue State with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” the police disclosed.
The kidnapped victim was successfully rescued unharmed.
Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle loaded with twenty rounds of live ammunition, an extra magazine, two daggers, military camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, assorted food items, cooking utensils, and a freshly slaughtered chicken.
Police said a manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
Reaffirming the Command’s resolve to rid the state of violent crime, the Commissioner of Police assured residents of sustained security operations across Enugu State.
“The Enugu State Police Command remains unwavering in its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes, and will continue to work with sister security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property,” the statement quoted CP Giwa as saying.
He urged health and medical service providers to promptly report any individual presenting with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or security formation, noting that such cooperation is critical to ongoing investigations.
The Commissioner further encouraged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public support as a vital tool in winning the fight against crime.
