Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout located in a forest along the Amufie–Obollo-Afor boundary in Igbo-Eze Local Government Area, recovering ammunition, firearms and other items after a gun battle with the suspects.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said the operation was carried out on Sunday around 7:40pm following directives from the state Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa.
According to the statement, the operatives came under attack immediately they approached the hideout.
“During the operation, the Police Operatives encountered armed hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers, who opened fire upon sighting the Police team,” the statement read.
Ndukwe said the operatives responded with “superior firepower,” forcing the suspects to flee into nearby bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“However, the Operatives responded with superior firepower, effectively repelling the criminals and forcing them to flee into the surrounding bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” he stated.
The police spokesperson said a search conducted after the exchange led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other exhibits linked to the suspects.
“A subsequent search of the hideout led to the recovery of two (2) AK-47 rifles, four (4) AK-47 magazines, sixty-four (64) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, one red TVS Neo-NX motorcycle, and other incriminating exhibits,” the statement added.
Ndukwe further disclosed that the commissioner of police had directed operatives to sustain ongoing operations and investigations aimed at tracking down and arresting the fleeing suspects.
He said the directive reflects the command’s determination to combat violent crimes and dismantle criminal networks operating across Enugu State.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid crime prevention and law enforcement efforts.
