A coordinated operation by the Enugu State Forest Guard has led to the rescue of a kidnapped man and the arrest of four suspected criminals, including a man alleged to have travelled from Kogi State to carry out ritual activities linked to the abduction.
The intelligence-led operation, carried out in the Ette Sector of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, followed credible information that a young man, identified as Samson Eleje Abah, had been lured into a forest and abducted by suspected criminals.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Forest Guard stormed the area, rescued the victim unharmed and apprehended three suspects identified as Reuben Okwudili, Reuben Gebechukwu Chinoso, and Reuben Emeka.
The three suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Forest Guard disclosed that further intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of John Agbo, a resident of Ofante Egberi in Kogi State, who allegedly travelled to the community to perform ritual activities connected to the suspected kidnapping.
According to the agency, Agbo has also been transferred to the police to assist with ongoing investigations.
The Forest Guard said preliminary findings, backed by consultations with community leaders, indicated that residents had previously raised concerns over the alleged criminal activities of some of the suspects and had consistently provided intelligence to security agencies.
Community leaders reportedly condemned the incident, reaffirming their commitment to working closely with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to curb crime in the area.
They also announced the imposition of traditional sanctions against the family of the principal suspects in accordance with local customs, stressing that criminality would not be tolerated in the community.
Describing the operation as another major breakthrough in its intelligence-driven security campaign, the Forest Guard reaffirmed its commitment to combating kidnapping, violent crimes and other security threats across Enugu State.
Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and prompt response during the operation.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, emphasizing that public cooperation remains critical to winning the fight against crime.
“We commend our operatives for their professionalism and swift response in rescuing the victim and apprehending the suspects,” Olasoji said.
He added, “We urge residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies. Public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime. The Forest Guard will sustain aggressive patrols and deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure criminal elements have no safe haven in Enugu State.”
