The Enugu State Police Command on Tuesday announced the rescue of 28 kidnapped victims and the arrest of 10 suspects in a series of coordinated operations across the state.
The command also confirmed the recovery of firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits linked to the suspects.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, disclosed this in a statement issued through the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe. He described the operations as part of sustained efforts to rid Enugu State of violent criminal elements.
According to CP Giwa, the operations were carried out in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch groups, Forest Guards, and local community members.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enhancing security in Enugu State by dismantling criminal networks and apprehending their members.
Kidnapping Cases and Rescue Operations
The statement reads in part: “As part of sustained efforts to rid Enugu State of unrepentant violent criminals, operatives of the State Police Command have successfully rescued 28 kidnapped victims, arrested 10 male suspects, and recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits in multiple coordinated operations.”
On May 18, 2025, around 6:30 p.m., operatives from Umumba Police Division, assisted by Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local residents, rescued two male and two female victims kidnapped along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu LGA. Four male suspects were arrested and are currently assisting in investigations.
That same day, around 6:34 p.m., operatives from 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call, rescuing and re-arresting an unidentified male suspect from a violent mob. The suspect and three accomplices had attempted to abduct a woman, who managed to raise an alarm. The suspect, beaten by the mob, is receiving medical treatment and remains under investigation.
On May 17, 2025, operatives from Okpuje Police Division, alongside Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards, conducted a bush-combing operation in a forest bordering Okpuje (Enugu State) and Odolu (Kogi State). They intercepted two men carrying ₦150,000 and ₦70,000 in ransom money, as well as food items demanded by the kidnappers. Armed resistance by the kidnappers was repelled by superior police firepower, forcing the criminals to flee with gunshot wounds. Victims were rescued unharmed, and a pump-action gun with two live cartridges was recovered. Manhunt efforts are ongoing.
Earlier, on May 14, 2025, around 5:30 a.m., operatives from Igbo-Eze North Division, working with the military and Neighbourhood Watch, rescued 21 kidnapped victims from Amaka-Okpodu in Kogi State. The victims were abducted on May 10 along the Iyionu-Aguibeje Road in Igbo-Eze North LGA while returning from a traditional marriage. Five male suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence, and three firearms were recovered. A minibus and four motorcycles used by the victims were also recovered.
In another operation on May 13, 2025, around 9:45 p.m., the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad rescued a kidnapped victim along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. The victim’s Toyota Camry was recovered, along with a white Toyota Corolla (Reg. No. ENU 703 LP) used by the suspects, and a Lexus 330 Jeep abandoned at the scene in Premier Layout, Enugu. Investigations and manhunt efforts are ongoing.
Taraba Car Theft Syndicate Busted
Meanwhile, in Taraba State, police operatives recovered four stolen vehicles from a car-snatching syndicate operating across multiple states.
Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Bretet, confirmed the arrest of four suspects linked to a coordinated vehicle theft network spanning Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Lagos, and Rivers States.
According to CP Bretet: “On May 14, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m., acting on credible intelligence, operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department, led by Inspector Idi Mansir Mohammed, arrested a group of suspected armed robbers and vehicle snatchers and recovered four stolen vehicles along the Mile Six area in Jalingo.”
The suspects include: Mohammed Yahaya a.k.a. Pake, 34, from Adamawa State, Mati Rabo, 34, from Wuro Hausa, Adamawa State, Danlami Musa, 32, from Sangere, Adamawa State and Babayo Abdullahi, 42, from Dan-Tambari, Bauchi State
The recovered vehicles are: SE Toyota Corolla, dark blue, 2013/2014 model, Reg. No: GGU 539 SV (Abuja), Chassis No: 4T1BG1GK5EU308539; Toyota Corolla LE, ash, 2003 model, Reg. No: KJA 258 GF (Lagos), Chassis No: 2T1BU4EE3BC720393; Toyota Corolla LE, blue, 2003 model, Reg. No: YAB 693 (Abuja) and Toyota Corolla S, blue, 2011/2014 model, Reg. No: RSH 39 CP (Abuja), Chassis No: J1DBR326830045784.
