Enugu Police Dislodge Suspected Kidnappers, Recover AK-47 Rifles

Police in Enugu State say they have dislodged suspected kidnappers following an intelligence-led raid on a hideout in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, recovering two AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and other items.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the operation was carried out on May 17, 2026, at about 7:40 p.m. by operatives attached to the Igbo-Eze North Division along the Amufie–Obollo-Afor boundary.

The police said the raid followed directives of the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, to intensify sustained intelligence-led operations against criminal hideouts and ensure continued pressure on violent criminal networks across the state.

It said the officers were engaged in a gun duel after the suspects opened fire on sighting the police team, but responded with what it described as superior firepower, forcing the suspects to flee into nearby bushes with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

A search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 64 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a red TVS Neo-NX motorcycle, and other incriminating items.

In the statement, the Commissioner of Police was quoted as saying: “We will not relent in our sustained intelligence-driven operations across Enugu State. Our objective is to dismantle all criminal hideouts, deny them freedom of action, and ensure that they have no safe haven within our jurisdiction.”

He added: “The Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property. We urge residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information that will assist our operatives in preventing and combating crime.”

The police said efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspects, reaffirming their commitment to dismantling criminal networks in the state.