SP Daniel Ndukwe,
A joint team of security operatives in Enugu State has neutralised a kidnapping suspect and rescued an abducted victim during a coordinated operation in Udenu Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command alongside the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch Group and local vigilantes, followed a distress report received in the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
The report indicated that a male victim had been abducted by armed men in Ezimo-Uno community.
In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, upon receiving the report, ordered the immediate deployment of security forces to the area to rescue the victim and apprehend the suspects.
According to the statement, the joint team tracked the kidnappers to the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest axis, where they encountered the suspects.
The kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the operatives, who responded with what the police described as “mastery and precision,” leading to the neutralisation of one of the suspects.
Other members of the gang escaped into the forest bordering Benue State, some with gunshot injuries.
The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt.
Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition, one extra magazine, two daggers, military camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, assorted food items, cooking utensils, and a freshly slaughtered chicken.
SP Ndukwe disclosed that a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to sustaining the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across Enugu State.
He called on residents, especially health and medical service providers, to promptly report anyone seen with gunshot injuries to the police or the nearest security formation.
He also urged members of the public to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring them that such cooperation remains critical to maintaining peace and security in the state.
