The police in Enugu State have killed a suspected kidnapper and arrested five others in a series of coordinated operations carried out between July 5 and 16, 2025, resulting in the rescue of a kidnap victim, as well as the recovery of N10 million ransom, arms, ammunition, and a vehicle.
The police spokesperson in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, highlighting the success of several tactical missions executed across different local government areas.
The first operation, which took place on July 5 at about 5:30 p.m., saw operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad apprehend two suspects identified as Usman Musa, 20, and Musa Zaria, 24, both from Kogi State. They were arrested around the Okemmou area, Ninth Mile Corner in Udi Local Government Area.
According to Mr Ndukwe, “The suspects were found in possession of clothing and a wristwatch belonging to two male victims kidnapped on 4 July 2025. The victims later identified both the items and the suspects as those involved in their abduction.”
Further progress was recorded on July 15, when two women, Juliet Chukwu, 39, and Nancy Chukwu, 40, were arrested in another anti-kidnapping raid. The sisters were allegedly caught in the act of sharing ransom of N10 million.
“The suspects, who are sisters and claimed to be law enforcement officers, were apprehended while sharing a ransom of N10 million,” Mr Ndukwe said.
“The ransom was obtained from their kinsman, whom they had conspired to kidnap on 14 July 2025, after initially demanding N50 million.”
He added that “the victim was rescued unharmed, and the operatives recovered the cash and a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to one of the suspects.”
On July 16, another operation led by police operatives attached to the Okpuje Division turned deadly when officers encountered armed kidnappers in a forest in Okpuje-Ani community, Nsukka Local Government Area. The confrontation resulted in the death of one of the suspects.
Mr Ndukwe explained that the mission was carried out alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and local hunters, who responded to a distress call.
“Upon arrival, the armed suspects engaged the team. The operatives returned fire, neutralising one of the suspects while others escaped. An AK-47 rifle loaded with two live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the neutralised suspect,” he said.
In a separate raid later that same day, a 23-year-old suspected kidnapper named Aliyu Adamu was arrested at Ugwu-Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings and stated that he had been invited from Awka, Anambra State, by another suspect now at large for criminal operations in Enugu State,” the police spokesperson said.
The spokesperson assured the public that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing kidnappers, and that all the arrested suspects would be arraigned upon completion of investigations.
Commending the security teams for their swift response and bravery, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, praised their dedication.
Mr Giwa also reassured residents of Enugu State that the force would continue working to ensure continued safety and security of the residents in the state.
