Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have neutralised a suspect involved in abduction and rescued a victim in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch Group, and local vigilantes.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the operation followed a report received in the early hours of Thursday, that a male victim had been abducted by armed men in the Ezimo-Uno community of the LGA.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, ordered the immediate mobilisation of security operatives in the area, who embarked on a coordinated operation to rescue the victim and track down the kidnapping suspects.
“During the operation in the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest areas on the same date, the operatives encountered the kidnappers, who opened fire on them. The operatives responded with mastery and precision, neutralising one of the suspects, while others fled deeper into the forest bordering Benue State with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” the statement reads in part.
SP Ndukwe disclosed that the victim was rescued unhurt and highlighted the recovered items from the suspects, including one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition, one extra magazine, two daggers, military camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, assorted food items, cooking utensils, and a freshly slaughtered chicken.
He added that a manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.
Reacting to the operation, CP Giwa reassured members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating violent crimes across the state.
He urged residents, particularly health and medical service providers, to promptly report to the police or the nearest security formation any person sighted with gunshot injuries.
The CP also encouraged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
