Enugu, June 3, 2026 – The Enugu State Police Command has disrupted a kidnapping attempt and neutralised two suspects during separate security operations conducted in different parts of the state.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the operations also led to the recovery of several firearms and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol, locally fabricated double-barrelled guns, magazines containing 7.62mm rounds, a live cartridge, and mobile phones.
Ndukwe said the first incident occurred on May 30 at about 8:30 p.m. when intelligence was received that a group of about five armed men were attempting to abduct a victim along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis of Enugu.
He explained that operatives of the Trans-Ekulu Division, working alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch, swiftly moved to the location and engaged the suspects, who opened fire on them.
The operatives responded with force, fatally injuring one of the suspects, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The injured suspect was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead.
One AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, and two mobile phones were recovered from the suspect, while subsequent intelligence-led follow-up operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol linked to the gang.
In a separate incident the same night at about 9:19 p.m., police received reports of an armed robbery attack on a residence in Owo community, Nkanu East Local Government Area.
The suspects were said to have dispossessed a male victim of his belongings before operatives of the Amechi-Idodo Division, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch personnel, responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, the suspects reportedly opened fire on the security team, prompting a gun battle in which one of the attackers was neutralised while others fled with injuries.
A locally made double-barrelled pistol with a live cartridge was recovered from the scene.
Ndukwe added that efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons, while investigations into both incidents continue.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, praised the operatives and local security volunteers for their swift response, courage, and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing crime prevention efforts.