Police Save Kidnapped Woman, Kill Suspect in Enugu Forest

The Enugu State Police have rescued a woman kidnapped in Nsukka Local Government Area. They reported that the rescue came after an operation based on intelligence. One of the suspects was killed during this operation.

In a statement released on Saturday by SP Daniel Ndukwe, the police said they are still looking for other gang members who ran into the forest after the attack. Ndukwe explained that the kidnapping happened around 10:10 a.m. on July 31. Armed men came from a nearby forest and took the woman on Anuka Road in Okpuje, Nsukka.

"Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have promptly rescued a kidnapped woman, neutralised one suspected kidnapper, and launched a manhunt for other fleeing gang members following an intelligence-guided operation at Okpuje in Nsukka Local Government Area," the statement said.

When the police received a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Okpuje quickly mobilised police operatives, Forest Guards, and members of the Neighbourhood Watch. They all worked together to track down the kidnappers.

They found the suspects in a forest in the Anuka area, close to the Enugu-Kogi State boundary. There, they engaged in a gun battle with the kidnappers. "During the ensuing gun duel, one suspect was neutralised, while others fled with suspected gunshot injuries. The victim was rescued unhurt, while her two children and motorcycle, left behind by the kidnappers at the scene, were also secured," the police stated.

The police confirmed that the woman and her children have been reunited with their family. They also mentioned that they are intensifying efforts to capture the suspects who escaped.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, praised the operatives who took part in the rescue. He highlighted the teamwork between the police, Forest Guards, and Neighbourhood Watch members.

"The Commissioner of Police… commended the police operatives, Forest Guards, and Neighbourhood Watch members for their swift response and collaboration," the statement added.

Giwa also reiterated the police command’s commitment to continue intelligence-led operations against violent crime in the state. He urged the community to stay alert and keep providing timely information to the police.