The Enugu State Police Command has announced that its operatives have killed one kidnap suspect and arrested five others in what it described as a breakthrough in its fight against violent crimes, particularly kidnapping.
In a statement on Thursday the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, stated that the operations resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with two rounds of live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla vehicle, ₦10 million in cash obtained as ransom, and other incriminating exhibits.
Ndukwe explained that the operations, led by intelligence, were conducted between July 5 and 16, 2025, and saw the rescue of a kidnapped victim.
According to the statement, on July 16, 2025, police operatives attached to Okpuje Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters, responded to a distress call regarding suspected armed kidnappers sighted in a forest at Okpuje-Ani community in Nsukka LGA.
“Upon arrival, the armed suspects engaged the team. The operatives returned fire, neutralising one of the suspects while others escaped,” Ndukwe said.
An AK-47 rifle loaded with two live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the neutralised suspect.
In a separate operation on the same day, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested one Aliyu Adamu, aged 23, at Ugwu-Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The suspect, according to the statement, confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings and stated that he had been invited from Awka, Anambra State, by another suspect now at large for criminal operations in Enugu State.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings and stated that he had been invited from Awka, Anambra State, by another suspect now at large for criminal operations in Enugu State,” the statement noted.
It added, “On July 15, 2025, at about 2:20 p.m., the Commands Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested two female suspects—Juliet Chukwu (aged 39) and Nancy Chukwu (aged 40)—in an intelligence-led operation.
“The suspects, who are sisters and claimed to be law enforcement officers, were apprehended while sharing a ransom of ₦10 million. The ransom was obtained from their kinsman, whom they had conspired to kidnap on July 14, 2025, after initially demanding ₦50 million. The victim was rescued unharmed, and the operatives recovered the ransom cash and a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to one of the suspects.
“Earlier, on July 5, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested two male suspects: Usman Musa (aged 20) and Musa Zaria (aged 24), both from Kogi State, during a tactical operation at Okemmou, 9th Mile Corner in Udi LGA.
“The suspects were found in possession of clothing and a wristwatch belonging to two male victims kidnapped on July 4, 2025. The victims later identified both the items and the suspects as those involved in their abduction.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for their bravery, professionalism, and swift responses.
“He reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to eliminating criminal elements from the state and ensuring the continued safety and security of all citizens,” Ndukwe said.
The statement further noted that arrested suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects at large.
