The Enugu State Police Command has rescued a woman who was kidnapped by suspected armed men in Nsukka Local Government Area, following an intelligence-driven operation that also left one of the suspected kidnappers dead.
The Punch reported that the command disclosed that security operatives are currently pursuing other members of the gang, who reportedly escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe.
According to the statement, the abduction occurred at about 10:10 a.m. on July 31 when armed assailants emerged from a nearby forest and seized the woman along Anuka Road in Okpuje, Nsukka Local Government Area.
“Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have promptly rescued a kidnapped woman, neutralised one suspected kidnapper, and launched a manhunt for other fleeing gang members following an intelligence-guided operation at Okpuje in Nsukka Local Government Area,” the statement read.
Ndukwe explained that after receiving a distress alert, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Okpuje Division immediately deployed police operatives alongside Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch to pursue the kidnappers.
The combined security team reportedly traced the suspects to a forest around the Anuka axis near the Enugu-Kogi State boundary, where an exchange of gunfire ensued.
“During the ensuing gun duel, one suspect was neutralised, while others fled with suspected gunshot injuries. The victim was rescued unhurt, while her two children and motorcycle, left behind by the kidnappers at the scene, were also secured,” the police said.
The command confirmed that the rescued woman and her two children have since been reunited with their family.
It further stated that efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, applauded the professionalism and cooperation displayed by the police personnel, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch during the rescue mission.
“The Commissioner of Police… commended the police operatives, Forest Guards, and Neighbourhood Watch members for their swift response and collaboration,” the statement said.
Giwa also reiterated the command’s determination to maintain intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling violent crimes across the state.
“He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against violent crime and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible, timely information to the police,” the statement added.
