Two dead, weapons recovered as police foil kidnapping attempt in Enugu

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Police operatives of Enugu Police Command have foiled a kidnapping attempt, killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons in two separate operations in Enugu State.

The operatives recovered three firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, a Beretta and locally fabricated double-barreled pistols, two magazines loaded with thirty rounds of 7.62mm calibre ammunition, one live cartridge, phones, and other incriminating exhibits during the operations, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson for Enugu Police Command said in a statement on Tuesday.

In one of the operations, Ndukwe said police operatives on May 30, 2026, received that a gang of about five-armed men were attempting to kidnap an individual along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis of Enugu.

He added that police operatives attached to the Command’s Trans-Ekulu Division working 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,” he said.

The spokesperson said 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.

Ndukwe added that 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 man 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-barreled pistol loaded with one live cartridge was recovered from the neutralized suspect”

Ndukwe said 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,” the spokesperson said.