Police foil kidnap attempt, neutralise two suspects in Enugu

Crime Diary

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Enugu State Police Command says it has foiled a kidnapping attempt and neutralised two suspected criminals in separate operations, recovering an AK-47 rifle, two other firearms, ammunition and other exhibits.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu.

According to the statement, the first operation took place on May 30 at about 8:30 p.m., following intelligence that a gang of about five armed men was attempting to kidnap a victim along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis of Enugu.

Police operatives attached to the Trans-Ekulu Division, working in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, swiftly responded to the distress call and engaged the suspects in a gun battle after they came under attack.

One of the suspects was fatally wounded during the exchange, while others escaped with gunshot injuries. The police said the suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor. Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition and two mobile phones.

The command added that follow-up intelligence-led operations by operatives of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol linked to the criminal gang.

In a separate operation later the same day, police operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division responded to a report of an armed robbery attack at a residence in Owo Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area.

The suspects reportedly opened fire on the responding team upon sighting them, prompting a gun duel during which one of the robbers was neutralised while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Police recovered a locally fabricated double-barrelled pistol loaded with a live cartridge from the suspect.

The command said efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while investigations into both incidents were ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group for their bravery, professionalism and swift response.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to enhance public safety.