Enugu police bust kidnap rings ahead of Christmas

The Enugu State Police Command has successfully dismantled a kidnapping gang hideout and arrested five suspects involved in burglary and car theft during multiple operations.

The operations also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, military uniforms, and other stolen items, including a vehicle.

According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, the kidnap suspects were apprehended in the Nru community of Nsukka Local Government Area.

Items seized from the gang included a loaded revolver pistol, a cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.

Ndukwe disclosed that the gang had been linked to recent kidnappings and other criminal activities in Nsukka.

“On December 15, 2024, a combined team of operatives from Nsukka Area Command, acting on credible intelligence, raided a kidnapping gang’s hideout in Nru community, Nsukka LGA. The suspects engaged the operatives in a gunfight but fled with gunshot injuries under superior police firepower.

“A loaded revolver pistol, a cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, military camouflage uniforms, a Moniepoint POS machine, and ATM cards were recovered.

“Preliminary investigations confirmed the gang’s involvement in recent kidnappings and other heinous crimes in Nsukka. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he stated.

In a separate operation, the police arrested four suspects for burglary and another individual for car theft.

Four men—Nelson Uchechi (22), Waziri Adamu (21), Auwal Kachalla (30), and Abba Mohammed—were arrested for allegedly breaking into a house in the GRA area of Enugu on November 14, 2024, around 2 a.m. They reportedly stole bicycles, laptops, phones, and other valuables. The stolen items were recovered, and the suspects confessed to the crime. They were subsequently arraigned in court and remanded in a Nigerian Correctional facility.

In another operation in early December 2024, the police arrested Chukwudi Chika (35) for stealing a red Volkswagen Passat car from the premises of a church in Coal Camp, Enugu. The stolen car was recovered, and the suspect confessed to the crime. He has also been arraigned and remanded in custody.

The State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, warned criminals to steer clear of Enugu State, emphasizing the Command’s commitment to ensuring public safety during the festive season and beyond.

He urged residents to stay vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities or individuals, and cooperate with law enforcement officers to maintain peace and security throughout the state.