Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout located within a forest along the Amufie–Obollo-Afor boundary in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, recovering two AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other incriminating exhibits after a gun duel with the suspects.
The operation, carried out by police operatives attached to the Igbo-Eze North Division, took place on May 17, 2026, at about 7:40 p.m.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, the raid was intelligence-driven and formed part of ongoing efforts by the police to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating in different parts of the state.
The statement noted that the operation followed the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, for continuous intelligence-led raids on identified black spots and criminal hideouts across the state.
Ndukwe said the operatives came under heavy gunfire immediately they approached the hideout, forcing the police team to engage the hoodlums in a fierce exchange of fire.
He stated: “During the operation, the Police Operatives encountered armed hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers, who opened fire upon sighting the Police team. However, the Operatives responded with superior firepower, effectively repelling the criminals and forcing them to flee into the surrounding bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“A subsequent search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, sixty-four rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, one red TVS Neo-NX motorcycle, and other incriminating exhibits.”
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police had ordered sustained operational and investigative efforts aimed at tracking down the fleeing suspects and dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
He quoted the CP as reiterating the command’s commitment to combating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of residents across Enugu State.
“CP Giwa has ordered sustained operational and investigative efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, reiterating the Command’s unwavering commitment to cracking down on violent criminals and dismantling their networks in Enugu State,” the statement added.
The command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing crime prevention and law enforcement efforts.
