…suspect confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings and stated that he had been invited from Awka.
ENUGU, NIGERIA – The iNews Times reports that the Enugu State Police Command has announced a string of breakthroughs in its fight against violent crimes, neutralising a suspected kidnapper, arresting five others, rescuing a kidnapped victim, and recovering weapons, cash, and a vehicle in separate intelligence-driven operations.
In a statement made available to The iNews Times on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the operations, carried out between July 5 and 16, underscore the Command’s “sustained fight against violent crimes, particularly kidnapping.”
On July 16, operatives attached to Okpuje Division, assisted by members of the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters, engaged suspected armed kidnappers in a forest at Okpuje-Ani, Nsukka.
“The operatives returned fire, neutralising one of the suspects while others escaped,” Ndukwe confirmed.
Adding that an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered.
Barely an hour later, officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested 23-year-old Aliyu Adamu along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings and stated that he had been invited from Awka, Anambra State, by another suspect now at large,” the police spokesperson said.
In another operation on July 15, two sisters, Juliet Chukwu (39) and Nancy Chukwu (40), were arrested by the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad during what the police described as an intelligence-led operation.
“The suspects were apprehended while sharing a ransom of ₦10,000,000.00 obtained from their kinsman, whom they had conspired to kidnap,” Ndukwe stated.
The kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed. A Toyota Corolla linked to the suspects and the ransom money were recovered.
Earlier, on July 5, two men – Usman Musa (20) and Musa Zaria (24), both from Kogi State – were nabbed at Okemmou, 9th Mile Corner, Udi LGA.
“The suspects were found in possession of clothing and a wristwatch belonging to two male victims kidnapped on July 4, 2025,” the police said, adding that the victims later identified both the suspects and the items.
The police noted that all arrested suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised his operatives for their “bravery, professionalism, and swift responses.”
He assured residents that the Command remains “unwaveringly committed to eliminating criminal elements from the state and ensuring the continued safety and security of all citizens.”
