General News of Friday, 18 July 2025

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Police arrest suspected kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu

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The Enugu State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its sustained fight against violent crimes, particularly kidnapping. Through a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted between July 5 and 16, 2025, the Command successfully neutralised one armed kidnapping suspect, arrested five others, and rescued a kidnapped victim. An AK-47 rifle with two rounds of live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla vehicle, ₦10,000,000.00 in cash obtained as ransom, and other incriminating exhibits were recovered.

On July 16, 2025, at about 3:00 p.m., police operatives attached to Okpuje Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters, swiftly 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. 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 at about 4:00 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Aliyu Adamu (male, aged 23) at Ugwu-Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. 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.

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₦10,000,000.00. The ransom was obtained from their kinsman, whom they had conspired to kidnap on July 14, 2025, after initially demanding₦50,000,000.00. 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.

The arrested suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects at large.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has 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.