SP Daniel Ndukwe
The Enugu State Police Command has made significant progress in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and violent crime, neutralising one armed kidnapping suspect, arresting five others, and rescuing a victim in a string of operations between July 5 and 16, 2025.
According to a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla vehicle, and ₦10 million in ransom money, among other incriminating exhibits.
In one of the most recent incidents, operatives attached to Okpuje Division, supported by Neighbourhood Watch members, Forest Guards, and local hunters, responded to a distress call on July 16 regarding the presence of armed kidnappers in a forest in Okpuje-Ani community, Nsukka LGA.
The suspects reportedly opened fire on the security team, prompting a shootout during which one of the suspects was gunned down while others escaped.
An AK-47 rifle with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered at the scene.
Later the same day, around 4:00 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad apprehended Aliyu Adamu, a 23-year-old male, at Ugwu-Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
During interrogation, Adamu confessed to being part of multiple kidnapping operations in the state and revealed he had been invited from Awka, Anambra State by another suspect who is currently on the run.
A day earlier, on July 15, two female suspects, Juliet Chukwu (39) and Nancy Chukwu (40), were arrested by the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad while sharing the proceeds of a ₦10 million ransom.
The women, who are sisters and allegedly posed as law enforcement officers, had kidnapped a male relative on July 14 and initially demanded ₦50 million.
The victim was later rescued unharmed, and a Toyota Corolla used in the crime was also recovered.
Additionally, on July 5, the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested two suspects, Usman Musa (20) and Musa Zaria (24), both from Kogi State, during a raid at Okemmou, 9th Mile Corner in Udi LGA.
The duo was found with items belonging to two male victims abducted a day earlier.
The victims later identified both suspects and their personal effects.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations. Manhunts are ongoing for their accomplices who remain at large.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the operatives for their courage and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to eliminate criminal networks and ensure lasting peace across Enugu State.
