Just-In: Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Kill Two Suspects

The Enugu State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt and neutralised two armed suspects in separate operations across the state.

The operations, conducted on May 30, 2026, led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol, a locally fabricated double-barrelled pistol, two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one live cartridge, mobile phones, and other incriminating exhibits.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, police operatives attached to the Trans-Ekulu Division, working alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, responded to intelligence at about 8:30 p.m. indicating that a gang of about five armed men was attempting to abduct an individual along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis of Enugu.

Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the suspects, who reportedly opened fire on the security team. The officers responded, fatally wounding one of the suspects, while the remaining gang members escaped with suspected gunshot injuries. The injured suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor.

Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, and two mobile phones from the suspect. Subsequent intelligence-led operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) also resulted in the recovery of a Beretta pistol linked to the gang.

In a separate incident on the same day at about 9:19 p.m., police received information that armed robbers had invaded a residence in Owo Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area. They were dispossessing a resident of his belongings.

Operatives from the Amechi-Idodo Division, supported by members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, swiftly mobilised to the scene. According to the police, the suspects opened fire upon sighting the security team, prompting an exchange of gunfire during which one of the robbers was neutralised. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

A locally made double-barrelled pistol loaded with one live cartridge was recovered from the deceased suspect.

The police said efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.

Commending the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group for their bravery and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, thereby strengthening public safety and supporting ongoing efforts to combat crime in Enugu State.