Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, have rescued a kidnapped female victim after a fierce gun duel in a forest in the Udenu Local Government Area of the state.
The joint security team also neutralised one of the suspected kidnappers during the operation, while several others escaped with severe gunshot wounds.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the rescue followed credible intelligence received on Friday afternoon regarding the abduction of the victim in the Ezimo community.
Ndukwe stated that upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, directed the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division to mobilise a team comprising police operatives, soldiers, Neighbourhood Watch members, and Forest Guards.
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The PPRO said, “The team trailed the suspects to Agu Orba Forest along the Ohebe-Orba axis. Upon sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower, neutralising one of the suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of severe gunshot wounds.
“The kidnapped victim was successfully rescued unhurt, debriefed, and reunited with her family.”
Items recovered from the scene included five rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, a machete, a dagger, four mobile phones, torchlights, power banks, and the sum of ₦51,700. Other items found at the kidnappers’ camp included assorted food items and clothing materials.
The Commissioner of Police, while commending the bravery and synergy of the security forces, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to ridding the state of violent criminals.
He further urged the public to provide timely information to aid in the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
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