The Enugu State Police Command says it has foiled a kidnapping attempt and neutralised two suspected criminals in separate operations across the state, recovering an AK-47 rifle, two other firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating items.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the operations formed part of the command’s sustained offensive against violent crime.
According to the statement, the first operation took place on May 30 at about 8:30 p.m. after security agencies received information that a gang of about five armed men was attempting to abduct an individual along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis of Enugu.
Police operatives attached to the Trans-Ekulu Division, working alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, swiftly responded to the distress call.
“The suspects opened fire on the operatives, who responded with precision and fatally immobilised one of them, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” the statement said.
The injured suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor.
Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, and two mobile phones from the suspect. Subsequent intelligence-led operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) also led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol believed to be connected to the criminal gang.
In a separate incident on the same day at about 9:19 p.m., police received information that armed robbers had invaded the residence of a resident in Owo Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area, and were dispossessing him of his belongings.
Operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, immediately mobilised to the scene.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the criminal suspects opened fire on the team. The operatives responded and neutralised one of the suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” the police stated.
A locally fabricated double-barrelled pistol loaded with one live cartridge was recovered from the deceased suspect.
The police said efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover additional exhibits, while investigations into both incidents continue.
Commending the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised their courage and professionalism.
“Their bravery, professionalism and prompt response contributed significantly to the success of these operations,” Giwa said. #Securitynewsalert.com
