From Our Correspondent – Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has recorded another operational success in its sustained offensive against violent crimes, foiling a kidnapping attempt and neutralizing two suspects in separate operations.
Three firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, a Beretta and locally fabricated double-barrelled pistols, two magazines loaded with thirty rounds of 7.62mm calibre ammunition, one live cartridge, phones, and other incriminating exhibits were recovered during the operations.

Accordingly, on Satyrday May 30, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., information was received that a gang of about five armed men were attempting to kidnap somebody along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis of Enugu. Police operatives attached to the Command’s Trans-Ekulu Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, swiftly responded and encountered the suspects, who opened fire on them. The operatives responded with precision and fatally immobilized one of the suspects, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. The suspect was immediately taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.

One AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with thirty rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, and two mobile phones were recovered from the neutralized suspect. Further intelligence-led operations by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol connected to the criminal gang.

Similarly, on the same date at about 9:19 p.m., information was received that a gang of armed robbers had invaded the residence of a male victim in Owo Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area, and were robbing him of his personal belongings. Police operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, in conjunction with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, immediately mobilized to the scene and engaged the suspects. Upon sighting the operatives, the criminal suspects opened fire on the team. The operatives responded and neutralized one of the suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. One locally made double-barrelled pistol loaded with one live cartridge was recovered from the neutralized suspect.

Operational efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects and recover additional exhibits, while investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has commended the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group for their bravery, professionalism, and prompt response. He reiterated the Command’s firm resolve to protecting lives and property and urged citizens to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to enhance public safety.

Spokesman for the Command SP Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the story.

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