28 Hostages Freed, 10 Suspects Detained in Police Crackdown on Kidnappers

The Enugu State Police Command on Tuesday disclosed the successful rescue of 28 individuals who had been kidnapped, alongside the arrest of 10 suspects, following a series of coordinated security operations.

According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa explained that the efforts were part of ongoing operations aimed at eliminating persistent violent crime across the state.

“We have successfully rescued 28 kidnapped victims, arrested 10 male suspects, and recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other exhibits. The operations were carried out in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and community members,” Giwa was quoted to have said.

One of the rescue efforts involved officers from the Umumba Police Division, who recovered four victims abducted along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area. Four male suspects connected to the abduction were taken into custody and are currently being interrogated.

“We promptly rescued two male and two female victims kidnapped along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road following a tactical bush-combing operation,” Giwa said.

In a separate incident, personnel from the 9th Mile Police Division quickly reacted to an emergency call and intervened to save an unidentified male suspect from an angry mob. The suspect, along with three accomplices, had allegedly tried to abduct a woman, who managed to alert others, prompting the group to flee.

The statement further detailed the recovery of a pump-action rifle, two live cartridges, and N220,000 believed to have been ransom money during another operation. “Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” the statement revealed.

Commissioner Giwa applauded the police teams, other security collaborators, and community members for their involvement in the success of the operations. He also reiterated the command’s determination to rid Enugu State of violent criminals and ensure greater public safety.

“Residents are urged to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with police and other law enforcement authorities,” he said