Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, attached to the Adani Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Ngene-Ukwu axis of the Adani–Nsukka Road.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 18, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., when the joint security team engaged armed kidnapping suspects in a fierce gun duel. During the exchange, one of the suspects was neutralised, while others escaped into a nearby forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
An AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered at the scene.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects had emerged from a nearby bush and were attempting to kidnap occupants of a vehicle plying the route when they encountered the security operatives.
The suspects reportedly opened fire upon sighting the team, prompting a swift and decisive response from the operatives, which led to the neutralisation of one kidnapper and the dispersal of the gang.
The Enugu State Police Command said efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the entire criminal network.
The Police also called on members of the public, particularly residents and healthcare providers in the area, to report anyone presenting with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest Police Station or security formation.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the gallantry and professionalism of the joint operatives.
He reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to rid Enugu State of violent criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the state.
The Police reiterated their resolve to sustain proactive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to curb kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in the state.
