A joint security operation involving police officers, soldiers, and local vigilante groups has led to the rescue of a kidnapped woman in Enugu State after a gun battle with suspected abductors.
The operation, which took place in the Udenu Local Government Area, followed intelligence reports about the victim’s abduction from the Ezimo community.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, immediately ordered a coordinated response upon receiving the report.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer in Udenu to mobilise a joint team of operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army, Neighbourhood Watch, and Forest Guards,” Ndukwe said.
He explained that the security team tracked the suspects to a forest location along the Ohebe-Orba axis, where they encountered resistance.
“On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire. However, the team responded with superior firepower, neutralising one of the suspects, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds,” he added.
According to the police spokesperson, the abducted woman was rescued unhurt during the operation and has since been reunited with her family.
“The victim was successfully rescued without injuries, debriefed, and handed over to her relatives,” Ndukwe stated.
Items recovered from the scene included ammunition, weapons, mobile phones, and other personal belongings believed to belong to the suspects. Security operatives also discovered food supplies and clothing materials at the camp.
Commending the joint effort, the Commissioner of Police praised the collaboration among security agencies and local groups, describing it as critical to tackling crime in the state.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
“The Command remains committed to eliminating violent crimes across the state. We urge members of the public to assist with useful information that can lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects,” Giwa said.
