Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued a kidnapped woman, neutralised one suspected kidnapper, and recovered several incriminating items during a joint security operation in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The operation, which took place on April 3, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the abduction of the victim around 3:30 p.m. in Ezimo community.
According to a statement issued on April 4, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, the breakthrough came after the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed an immediate response.
“On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division mobilised a joint security team comprising police operatives, soldiers, Neighbourhood Watch, and Forest Guards,” the statement said.
The team trailed the suspects to Agu Orba Forest along the Ohebe-Orba axis, where they engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower, neutralising one of the suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Ndukwe stated.
The police confirmed that the abducted victim was rescued unhurt, debriefed, and safely reunited with her family.
Items recovered from the scene include five rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, a machete, a dagger, four mobile phones, torchlights, power banks, memory cards, and the sum of Fifty-One Thousand Seven Hundred Naira (₦51,700.00), alongside food items and clothing materials.
Meanwhile, the Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Commending the operatives, CP Giwa praised the synergy among security agencies and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to tackle violent crime.
“He commended the bravery and synergy of the operatives and reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid the state of violent criminal elements,” the statement added.
The police also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
