Three Kidnapped Victims Freed in Enugu

The Enugu State Police have rescued three people who were kidnapped. They also recovered two locally made guns, ammunition, and other items after quickly responding to a report of carjacking and kidnapping in the area.

The police shared this news in a statement from their public relations officer, Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday.

Ndukwe said the victims were rescued during an operation by officers from the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit. They got help from the Neighbourhood Watch Group and local community members.

According to the PPRO, the operation began after the police received reliable information at around 1:30 am on August 18, 2026. The officers were on patrol along the Port Harcourt Expressway in Enugu when they got the report.

The report was about armed men who had carjacked and kidnapped people from a Lexus RX350 in Independence Layout. “Acting quickly, the officers started chasing the suspects, which led them to Hillview Road in Independence Layout,” the statement said.

The police said the suspects left the Lexus RX350 and their guns when they got to that area. They ran away on foot.

“The three victims were later rescued without any harm, thanks to the support from the Neighbourhood Watch Group and good citizens, and they were taken to safety,” he mentioned.

The PPRO added that the recovered items included the victims' car, a locally made Beretta-like pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a cut-to-size firearm, and one live cartridge.

Other items found included a pair of gloves, a ski mask, and a mobile phone that the suspects left behind while escaping.

The PPRO said the police are intensifying their investigation and have launched a manhunt for the suspects who fled.

“The investigation has been stepped up, with a manhunt to find and arrest the suspects, recover more items, and confirm their role in the crime,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, praised the police officers, Neighbourhood Watch members, and residents who helped in the rescue.

He reiterated that the police are committed to operations based on intelligence and community support to fight kidnapping, armed robbery, car theft, and other violent crimes.

The commissioner also asked residents to stay alert and provide the police with timely and reliable information to help prevent crime and catch suspects.