The operatives also rescued one victim and recovered their weapons,
according to a statement on Friday, by the Command's spokesperson, DSP Daniel
Ndukwe.
Ndukwe said, "On October 17, 2024, around
8pm, operatives from the Enugu State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping, Distress
Response and Special Intervention Squads, raided a kidnappers' hideout in
Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, following a diligently gathered
actionable intelligence.
"Upon the operatives' arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a
return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while
others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries."
He revealed a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the
syndicate had been launched, noting that Enugu State would no longer be safe
for the criminals and their collaborators.
He added, "A male victim, identified as the personal assistant (PA)
to a public figure (names withheld), kidnapped by the gang on September 27,
2024, in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, was rescued unharmed.
"During the operation, the police recovered one G-3 rifle, two AK-47
rifles, three magazines, and one hundred and twenty-five rounds of live
ammunition.
"Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group had
demanded a ransom of N40,000,000 for the release of the victim. The group is
also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within Enugu metropolis
and its environs.
"Some of their members had previously been arrested and arraigned in
court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them."
Ndukwe also disclosed that the buildings the criminals used for the criminal
acts, including the present one, had been destroyed by the Enugu State
government.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the
operatives' efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to
eradicate violent crimes in the state.
He called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support
the police in their efforts.
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