Security operatives in Enugu State have neutralised a suspected kidnapper, rescued an abducted victim, and recovered a high-powered firearm during a joint operation in Udenu Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out by the Enugu State Police Command in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch Group and local vigilantes, followed a distress call received in the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2026. The report indicated that a male victim had been abducted by armed men in Ezimo-Uno community.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, immediately ordered the mobilisation of all available security assets to rescue the victim and apprehend the suspects.
Acting on the directive, security teams launched a coordinated manhunt that extended into the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest areas. The operatives reportedly came under gunfire from the kidnappers, leading to a fierce exchange.
Police said one of the suspects was neutralised during the encounter, while others fled deeper into the forest bordering Benue State with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt.
Items recovered at the scene include an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition, an extra magazine, two daggers, military camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, assorted food items, cooking utensils and a freshly slaughtered chicken.
The police said a manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal gang.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling violent crime, CP Giwa assured residents that sustained security operations would continue across the state to protect lives and property.
He also urged hospitals and medical practitioners to promptly report anyone presenting with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station, stressing that such cooperation is crucial to ongoing investigations.
Residents were further encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, which the police described as key to winning the fight against crime.
