The Enugu State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on violent crimes, foiling a kidnapping attempt and neutralising two suspected criminals in separate operations across the state.
Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol, a locally fabricated double-barrelled pistol, 30 rounds of live ammunition, a live cartridge, mobile phones and other incriminating exhibits.
According to the statement, the first operation occurred on May 30, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m. following intelligence reports that a gang of about five armed men was attempting to kidnap a resident along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis in Enugu.
Operatives attached to the Trans-Ekulu Division, working alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, swiftly responded to the distress call and engaged the suspects in a gun duel after the criminals reportedly opened fire on the security team.
One of the suspects was fatally wounded during the exchange and later confirmed dead at a hospital, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot injuries.
Items recovered from the neutralised suspect included an AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two mobile phones. Subsequent intelligence-led operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) also led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol linked to the gang.
In a separate incident later that same day at about 9:19 p.m., police operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division responded to reports of an armed robbery attack at a residence in Owo Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area.
The suspects were said to have invaded the home of a male resident and dispossessed him of personal belongings before police and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group arrived at the scene.
Upon sighting the operatives, the robbers allegedly opened fire, prompting a gun battle during which one of the suspects was neutralised. Other gang members fled with suspected gunshot wounds.
Security operatives recovered a locally made double-barrelled pistol loaded with one live cartridge from the deceased suspect.
The Command said efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while investigations into both incidents continue.
Commending the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group for their courage and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen security and public safety across the state.
Source: everydaynews
