The Enugu State Police Command has rescued four kidnapped victims in two separate intelligence-led operations conducted within the state and across the Benue State border.
Drivetvnews gathered that the rescue missions come just days after armed men invaded a Catholic church in Udi Local Government Area and abducted worshippers, including a seminarian, although those victims were not among the people rescued.
According to the command, the operations involved a joint team comprising police officers, soldiers, forest guards, vigilantes and neighbourhood watch personnel. Security operatives also recovered 15 rounds of live ammunition, suspected hard drugs, mobile phones, cash and other exhibits from the suspects’ hideout.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the command disclosed that one abducted victim was found dead after allegedly being shot by kidnappers while in captivity.
The first operation led to the rescue of two brothers who were kidnapped on August 3 in Ezimo-Ulo, Udenu Local Government Area. Acting on intelligence, security operatives tracked the kidnappers to Ikele in Owukpa Community, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, where a gun battle forced the suspects to flee with gunshot injuries, leaving the victims behind unharmed.
Recovered items included 15 rounds of live ammunition, the victims’ Android phones, vehicle keys, additional mobile phones, a bottle containing suspected hard drugs, drug paraphernalia, clothing items and ₦11,800 in cash.
In a separate operation, police operatives rescued two other victims abducted on July 31 from Amukpa Village in Ogbozara Community, Nsukka Local Government Area.
However, another victim kidnapped alongside them was found dead in a forest after reportedly dying from gunshot wounds inflicted by the abductors. His decomposing body was recovered during the operation.
The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the security agencies involved and directed them to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful intelligence to assist security agencies in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The latest operations come amid heightened security concerns following the recent attack on St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa Community, where gunmen abducted worshippers during a church service. Police said one victim was rescued shortly after the incident, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining captives.
