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

The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended 14 suspects in kidnapping operations, recovering weapons and ammunition in the process. Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, announced this at a news briefing in Enugu on Friday. Giwa highlighted recent successes against coordinated kidnapping syndicates in the state, mentioning the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one locally-made firearm, 310 rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, eight live cartridges, and seven AK-47 magazines.

Intelligence-led operations led to the rescue of kidnapped victims in Nsukka and Ogbadibo LGA of Benue, and the arrest of suspects in Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi LGA. Additional suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt after fleeing Enugu, with investigations revealing they were part of an organized criminal network operating across the country.

The network, aided by Enugu-based members, planned and executed kidnap operations before returning to their locations. The suspects have confessed to various armed kidnap incidents, including the abduction of a victim at Mgbabuowa/Aguobuowa in Ezeagu LGA and the shooting death of a female victim in Obioma, Udi LGA. Giwa emphasized that the command will continue investigations, recover additional criminal proceeds, and charge the suspects to court.