The Police Command in Enugu State has rescued three kidnapped victims in two successful operations at separate locations within the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, stated this in a statement on Saturday.
According to him, the two operations were carried out on May 16 and May 26.
Ndukwe explained that the victims were rescued after a gun battle with the kidnappers at their hideout.
He said one of the kidnappers was killed in the battle while another was arrested with bullets wounds.
The police PRO also disclosed that one AK-47 rifle; 20 rounds of live ammunition; two machetes; four handsets and N700 were recovered from the suspects after the gun duel.
He said further: “Preliminary investigation reveals that two of the victims, a father and daughter, were reported kidnapped on May 15 at about 5p.m by armed men at a building site in Eziama Abakpa-Nike and taken to an unknown destination.
“On May 16 at about 10p.m, a combined team of operatives attached to the command’s anti-kidnapping and anti-cult units, acting on intelligence, rescued the victims unhurt inside a forest in the said community, after gun duel with the kidnappers.
“They have since re-united with their family members.”
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Ndukwe explained that the third victim was reported kidnapped on May 25 at about 8:30p.m in exchange for her son and one other, who were being held by the alleged kidnappers.
“However, following a tactical and intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit at the said forest, the victim was successfully rescued unhurt, after an intense gun battle with the kidnappers.
“The gun battle led to death of one and the arrest of the other with severe bullets injuries and in a critical condition.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmad Abdurrahman, has enjoined residents to always assist the police with credible information required to effectively guard the state.
“The commissioner vowed to make life unbearable for criminal elements hell-bent on inflicting pains on citizens in this COVID-19 pandemic,’’ he added.
Ndukwe quoted the commissioner as directing Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Operational/Tactical Departments to be proactive in combating crime in the state.
He said the commissioner also enjoined residents to remain law abiding, vigilant and promptly report suspected criminals and acts of criminality to the nearest police station.
Ndukwe gave out the command’s emergency hotlines for people to call with information that could lead to arrest of criminals.
The numbers are: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202 or 08098880172.
