Police operatives in Enugu State have rescued three kidnap victims and recovered a Lexus RX350 vehicle, two locally made firearms, ammunition and other items following a swift pursuit of armed suspects in the Independence Layout area of the state capital.
According to a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), with support from a Neighbourhood Watch group and members of the community.
The rescue followed credible intelligence received at about 1:30 a.m. on August 18, 2026, while operatives were on crime-prevention patrol along the Port Harcourt Expressway. The tip concerned the carjacking and abduction of occupants of a Lexus RX350 within Independence Layout by armed hoodlums.
“Acting swiftly, the operatives commenced a hot pursuit of the suspects, which continued to Hillview Road, Independence Layout,” the statement said. On reaching the area, the suspects reportedly abandoned the vehicle and their weapons before fleeing on foot.
The three abduction victims were rescued unharmed and taken to safety, aided by members of the Neighbourhood Watch and local residents.
Items recovered from the scene included the victims’ Lexus RX350, a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol loaded with five rounds of live 9mm ammunition, a locally made cut-to-size firearm, one live cartridge, a pair of hand gloves, a face mask, and a mobile phone — all allegedly abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Police say investigations have been intensified, with a manhunt now underway to identify and arrest the suspects and recover any further exhibits linked to the crime.
Commending the operatives and members of the public involved in the rescue, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, said the swift and coordinated response reflected the strength of community-police collaboration.
“We commend the operatives, members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and vigilant citizens for their swift and coordinated response,” the Commissioner said, according to the statement, adding that the Command remains committed to “sustaining intelligence-led and community-supported operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other violent crimes.”
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to continue providing timely and credible information to the police.
