Kehinde Fajobi
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East, on Thursday, killing two suspected kidnappers and rescuing a victim.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Friday, “On October 17, 2024, around 8 p.m., operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response, and Special Intervention Squads raided a kidnappers’ hideout based on actionable intelligence.”
He added, “The kidnappers opened fire on the operatives, prompting a response that led to the neutralisation of two suspects, while others fled with gunshot wounds.”
A personal assistant to a public figure, who had been kidnapped on September 27 in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, was rescued unharmed.
The police also recovered several weapons, including a G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 125 rounds of live ammunition.
Ndukwe revealed that the gang had demanded ₦40 million in ransom for the victim and had been responsible for other kidnappings in the area. Some of their members had been previously arrested and arraigned.
Buildings used by the criminals, including the raided hideout, have been demolished by the Enugu State Government.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime. He urged the public to remain vigilant and support the police.