The Enugu State Police Command on Tuesday announced the rescue of 28 kidnapped victims and arrested 10 suspects in multiple coordinated operations.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, in a statement through the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the operations were a part of sustained efforts to rid Enugu State of unrepentant violent criminals.
“We have successfully rescued 28 kidnapped victims, arrested 10 male suspects, and recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits. The operations were carried out in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and community members,” Giwa was quoted to have said.
In one of the operations, according to the statement, operatives attached to the Umumba Police Division rescued four victims kidnapped along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area. Four male suspects linked to the crime were immediately arrested and are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
“We promptly rescued two male and two female victims kidnapped along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road following a tactical bush-combing operation,” Giwa said.
In another operation, operatives from the 9th Mile Division swiftly responded to a distress call and rescued a yet-to-be-identified male suspect from a violent mob. The suspect and three others had attempted to kidnap a woman, who raised an alarm and was abandoned by the suspects.
The statement noted that the command also recovered a pump-action gun, two live cartridges, and N220,000 intended for ransom payments in another operation. “Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” the statement revealed.
Giwa commended the police operatives, collaborating security agents, and law-abiding community members for their efforts in making the operations successful and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to making Enugu State safer and more secure by rooting out violent criminals and their activities.
“Residents are urged to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with police and other law enforcement authorities,” he said.
