Police detain 14 kidnap suspects in Enugu, recover arms, ammunition

In Enugu, the police have detained 14 suspects in connection with kidnapping, following intelligence-led operations that targeted major kidnap syndicates. Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa announced these findings during a press conference in Enugu. He detailed the recovery of several weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and ammunition.

Giwa reported that in separate joint operations, security forces rescued kidnapped victims in the Ogbozara Community of Nsukka LGA and the Owukpa Community of Ogbadibo LGA in Benue. One victim was rescued from a church at Inoyi, Affa Community in Udi LGA on August 2. Giwa also disclosed that a joint operation led to the rescue of two more victims, the arrest of three suspects, and the neutralization of one suspect.

Two additional suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt after fleeing Enugu. The commissioner revealed that these suspects were part of an organized criminal network operating across Nigeria. The network typically converged in Enugu to plan and execute kidnap operations before returning to their home regions. Preliminary investigations have linked the suspects to numerous armed kidnappings, including the Mgbabuowa/Aguobuowa abduction in Ezeagu LGA, where the gang obtained ₦5.5 million in ransom. The police aim to recover more firearms, ammunition, and other illicit proceeds from the suspects.