The Enugu State Police Command says it has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime, foiling a kidnapping attempt and neutralising two armed suspects in separate operations conducted on May 30, 2026.
The Command also recovered an AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol, a locally fabricated double-barrelled gun, two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one live cartridge, mobile phones, and other exhibits during the operations.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, mnipr, mnisma, the incidents occurred at different locations within Enugu State within the same night.
In the first operation, police operatives attached to the Trans-Ekulu Division, working alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, responded to intelligence that about five armed men were attempting to abduct a victim along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis at about 8:30 p.m.
“The operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the suspects, who immediately opened fire,” the statement said.
The police team responded with superior firepower, fatally neutralising one of the suspects, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries. The injured suspect was taken to hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
One AK-47 rifle, two loaded magazines containing 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two mobile phones were recovered from the suspect. Subsequent intelligence-led operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) also led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol linked to the gang.
In a separate incident at about 9:19 p.m. the same day, armed robbers invaded a residence in Owo Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area, dispossessing a male victim of his belongings.
Operatives of the Amechi-Idodo Division, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, immediately mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
“The suspects, on sighting the operatives, opened fire on them,” the statement added.
One suspect was neutralised during the exchange, while others escaped with gunshot injuries. A locally made double-barrelled pistol loaded with one live cartridge was recovered from the scene.
The Command said follow-up operations had been intensified to track down fleeing suspects and recover additional arms, while investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, commended the operatives for their “bravery, professionalism, and swift response,” reaffirming the Command’s commitment to sustaining the offensive against violent crime.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
“The Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the state,” the statement quoted the Commissioner as saying.
