The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected kidnappers linked to a series of abductions and violent crimes within and outside the state, as security operatives intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the region.
Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Enugu, revealing that the suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations conducted in several states, including Enugu, Rivers, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory.
Among those arrested are two suspects allegedly connected to the kidnapping incident that occurred at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Affa, Udi Local Government Area, on August 2. According to the police, the suspects fled to Port Harcourt after the operation but were later tracked and arrested following intelligence-led investigations.
Giwa said preliminary findings indicate that after leaving Enugu, the suspects regrouped with other members of the criminal network and allegedly carried out another kidnapping operation in Rivers State, where a victim was released after a ransom payment of ₦5 million.
The Commissioner explained that investigations have linked the suspects to several kidnapping incidents along major routes and communities in Enugu State, including the Enugu–Ugwuogo–Opi–Nsukka Road, Obioma–9th Mile–Umulumgbe–Okpatu Road and the Eke–Affa–Egede–Ezinze corridor.
He disclosed that the suspects allegedly participated in multiple abductions between April and May 2026, during which millions of naira and thousands of dollars were reportedly collected as ransom from victims and their families.
According to the police, the syndicate operated as an organised criminal network with members residing in different states and travelling into Enugu to execute operations before returning to their bases.
Investigations further revealed that local collaborators allegedly provided transportation, intelligence and logistical support to facilitate the crimes and help suspects evade security surveillance.
The police also uncovered evidence suggesting that proceeds from kidnapping activities were laundered through investments in livestock, property acquisitions and lavish spending.
Recovered items displayed by the command included five AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, a locally fabricated firearm, 310 rounds of live ammunition, eight cartridges and seven empty AK-47 magazines.
Giwa assured residents that investigations were ongoing to identify additional members of the syndicate, recover more weapons and determine their involvement in other criminal activities across the country.
