UDENU – Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, working in conjunction with other security agencies, have successfully rescued a female kidnap victim.
The joint operation, which took place on Friday in Udenu Local Government Area, also saw security forces neutralise one of the suspected kidnappers and recover a haul of incriminating exhibits.
The successful rescue, neutralisation and subsequent recoveries followed the receipt of credible intelligence regarding the abduction of the victim at approximately 3:30pm within the Ezimo community.
Police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed in a statement that following a direct order from the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Udenu Division promptly mobilised a joint security team. The team comprised police operatives, soldiers of the Nigerian Army, the Neighbourhood Watch, and Forest Guards, who then tracked the suspects to the Agu Orba Forest along the Ohebe-Orba axis of the local government area.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower, neutralising one of the suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Mr Ndukwe said.
“Consequently, the kidnapped victim was successfully rescued unhurt, debriefed, and reunited with her family.”
He added that exhibits recovered from the scene included five rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, one long machete, one short dagger, four mobile phones, four torches, two power banks, two memory cards, the sum of fifty-one thousand seven hundred naira (₦51,700.00), assorted food items, spoons, clothing materials, face caps, and other items.
Mr Ndukwe further disclosed that intensive operations were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the bravery and synergy of the security operatives involved in the operation. He also reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the state of violent criminal elements.
“He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security efforts,” the spokesman added.
