By Deborah Nnamdi
In a string of coordinated operations in Enugu and Ogun States, police operatives have rescued four kidnapped victims, neutralised three suspected kidnappers in separate gun battles, and recovered more than N11.3 million in ransom payments alongside firearms and other evidence.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, announced the successful outcomes in a statement on Sunday, highlighting the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing shift toward intelligence-led, technology-driven crime fighting under its current leadership.
In Enugu State, police responded swiftly to a distress call from the Okpuje-Ani community in Nsukka Local Government Area on July 16. Around 3:00 p.m., officers, in collaboration with local security outfits, engaged a group of armed kidnappers spotted in a nearby forest. One of the suspects was fatally shot during the exchange, while others fled with gunshot injuries. An AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered from the scene.
In a separate operation along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested 23-year-old Aliyu Adamu, who confessed to being part of a kidnapping syndicate. He revealed that he had been recruited from Awka, Anambra State, for operations in Enugu.
Further investigations led to the arrest of two women, Juliet Chukwu (39) and Nancy Chukwu (40), on July 15. The pair had conspired to kidnap a male relative and were caught while sharing a N10 million ransom. Police said the initial demand was N50 million. The victim was rescued unharmed, and officers recovered the ransom along with the suspects’ Toyota Corolla used in the operation.
In Ogun State, police launched a rapid response following the kidnapping of three individuals near the Ajebo axis under the Owode Egba Division on July 16. Acting on intelligence, tactical teams tracked the kidnappers to their hideout along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and stormed the location around 4:00 a.m. on July 19. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of two suspects and the safe rescue of all three victims.
Items recovered from the Ogun operation included an AK-47 rifle, 139 rounds of ammunition, a magazine, a cutlass, a chain and padlock used to restrain victims, N1.23 million believed to be part of the ransom, and multiple mobile phones used in ransom negotiations.
Commending the officers involved, the Inspector-General of Police praised their courage and professionalism, noting that these operations reflect a growing emphasis on proactive and intelligence-driven policing. ACP Adejobi reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security framework.
