Police rescue three kidnap victims, recover stolen car, firearms in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has disclosed that its operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit have rescued three abducted victims and recovered their Lexus RX350, two locally-made firearms, ammunition and other exhibits.

It noted that the rescue was achieved with support from the Neighbourhood Watch corps and community members.

According to a release on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, via his X handle, the command received an intelligence report on carjacking and abduction on August 18, 2026, at midnight.

He added that the operatives immediately swung into action.

Ndukwe said, “The operation followed credible intelligence received at about 1:30 a.m. on August 18, 2026, while the operatives were on crime-prevention patrol along the Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu, concerning 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. On reaching the area, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and their firearms before fleeing the scene. The three victims were subsequently rescued unharmed, with support from members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and law-abiding citizens, and taken to safety.”

The command’s spokesperson revealed that the operatives were able to recover the victim’s vehicle, a pistol, mobile phone, among others.

He added that investigations are currently ongoing to apprehend the suspects, as he urged the public to remain vigilant and provide the police with credible information.

“Recovered from the scene were the said victim’s vehicle, one locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one locally made cut-to-size firearm, one live cartridge, a pair of hand gloves, one skimmask and one mobile phone, all abandoned by the fleeing suspects. Investigation has been intensified, with a manhunt launched to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects, recover further exhibits and establish their involvement in the crime.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, smicm, commended the operatives, members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and vigilant citizens for their swift and coordinated response. He reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led and community-supported operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other violent crimes, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to the police,” the statement concluded.