Three kidnapped victims regain freedom in Enugu
August 26, 2026 12:46 am
The Enugu State Police Command has rescued three victims of abduction and recovered two locally made firearms, ammunition and other exhibits following a swift response to a reported carjacking and kidnapping in the state.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued by its police public relations officer, Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday.
Ndukwe stated that the victims were rescued during an operation by operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit, with support from members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and other community members.
According to the PPRO, the operation followed credible intelligence received at about 1:30 am on August 18, 2026, while the operatives were on crime-prevention patrol along the Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu.
He stated that the information concerned the carjacking and abduction of occupants of a Lexus RX350 by armed hoodlums in Independence Layout.
“Acting swiftly, the operatives commenced a hot pursuit of the suspects, which continued to Hillview Road, Independence Layout,” the statement noted.
The command said the suspects abandoned the Lexus RX350 and their firearms when they reached the area before fleeing on foot.
“The three victims were subsequently rescued unharmed, with support from members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and law-abiding citizens, and taken to safety,” he added.
The PPRO said the recovered exhibits included the victims’ vehicle, a locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a locally made cut-to-size firearm and one live cartridge.
He noted that other items recovered were a pair of gloves, a ski mask and a mobile phone, which the suspects allegedly abandoned while fleeing.
The PPRO said the investigation had been intensified and a manhunt launched for the fleeing suspects.
“The investigation has been intensified, with a manhunt launched to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects, recover further exhibits and establish their involvement in the crime,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, commended the police operatives, Neighbourhood Watch members and residents who assisted in the rescue operation.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led and community-supported operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other violent crimes.
The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide the police with timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crime and apprehending suspects.
PUNCH Metro reported on Friday that 13 passengers abducted along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State were rescued after eight days in the kidnappers’ den.
The victims had been kidnapped while travelling in an 18-seater commercial passenger bus from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
Johnson Idowu is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over four years of experience covering politics, education, metro, and environment. He specializes in producing insightful and well-researched reports that inform and engage readers. Johnson’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a dedication to accurate, audience-focused journalism.
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