The Enugu State Police Command has rescued 21 kidnapped victims, killed one suspect, and arrested another in a series of operations conducted over the weekend.

The operations also led to the recovery of a firearm, a vehicle, and other exhibits.

In a statement released yesterday, the command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, detailed the operations.

On May 23, operatives from Okpuje Division collaborated with Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters to raid a forest on the Enugu-Kogi border. Eight kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt after a gunfight in which one suspect was neutralised. Others fled with gunshot wounds.

On May 22, the Oji-River Police Area Commander led a joint team to Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani Council, rescuing nine victims abducted a day earlier along Olo-Umulokpa Road. “The suspects fled following an exchange of gunfire, and the victims were treated and safely reunited with their families,” Ndukwe said.

That same day, operatives from the 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call at Ekochin Layout, Udi Council, foiling an armed robbery attempt. “A cut-to-size single-barrel gun and an expended cartridge were recovered, while the suspects escaped. A manhunt is underway,” he added.

On May 21, officers from Udenu Division, working with Forest Guards and Neighbourhood Watch members, rescued two men from a forest in Amalla-Egazi. The victims had been kidnapped on May 16 in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Council. That same day, Uwani Division operatives rescued a female victim and recovered her Toyota Sienna vehicle at Gariki, Awkunanaw, Enugu.

On May 20, Awkunanaw Division operatives, supported by Neighbourhood Watch members, rescued a man abducted a day earlier and tied up in an uncompleted building in Akwuke-Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Council. “His captors had extorted N30,000 from his relatives before his rescue. One male suspect was arrested, while efforts to track down his accomplices are underway,” Ndukwe stated.

He conveyed the Commissioner of Police’s appreciation to the officers for their gallantry and urged them to sustain intelligence-driven operations. The Commissioner also called on the public to continue supporting the police and other security agencies.