Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have rescued three victims abducted by armed hoodlums in the Independence Layout area of Enugu metropolis, recovering two locally made firearms, ammunition and the victims’ Lexus RX350.
The rescue operation followed a distress intelligence received at about 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, while operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) were conducting crime-prevention patrols along the Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the information concerned the carjacking and abduction of occupants of a Lexus RX350 by armed hoodlums within Independence Layout.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the operatives launched a hot pursuit of the suspects, which led to Hillview Road in Independence Layout.
The suspects, on sighting the advancing security operatives, reportedly abandoned the vehicle and their firearms before fleeing the area.
The three victims were subsequently rescued unharmed with the assistance of members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and vigilant residents, and taken to safety.
Items recovered from the scene included the victims’ Lexus RX350, a locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, another locally made cut-to-size firearm and one live cartridge.
The operatives also recovered a pair of hand gloves, a ski mask and a mobile phone allegedly abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
The Command said investigation into the incident had been intensified, while a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing members of the gang.
According to the Police, efforts are also underway to recover additional exhibits and establish the full involvement of the suspects in the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives, members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and residents who contributed to the successful rescue operation.
Giwa reiterated the Command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led and community-supported operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other violent crimes across the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide the Police with credible information that could assist in preventing and combating criminal activities.
The Commissioner stressed that effective collaboration between security agencies and members of the public remained critical to denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate freely in Enugu State.
