Law enforcement agents free 12 abducted individuals from Enugu woodland captivity

Security operatives launched a coordinated operation on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Efeche Forest, Ette, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, resulting in the rescue of 12 kidnapped victims.

The rescued victims included Patrick Eze, Chidinma Eze, and Paul Peter, a farmer from Ogugu in Kogi State, among others who had been held captive.

Other rescued individuals were Abutu Comfort from Ogugu, Kogi State, Emmanuel Samson from Ogene Ofada, Kogi State, and Matthew Onoja from Ette, all of whom were freed during the operation.

Akor Emmanuel, a farmer, Onoja Samuel from Ogene, Kogi State, and Omeke Ozoemena from Iyionu, Aguibeje, were also among those rescued by security operatives.

Additionally, Peter Friday, 35, from Ogene, Kogi State, Emmanuel Akor, 33, from Ette in Enugu State, and Isiaka Ibrahim, 28, from Ogene, Kogi State, were rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.

Following their rescue, the victims received medical attention and evaluation at a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition.

Security operatives involved in the operation are continuing their efforts to track down the suspected kidnappers who reportedly fled the scene during the rescue mission.

The successful operation is seen as a significant step in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, marking a notable achievement for security forces.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Michael Uche Ogalla, issued a stern warning to criminal elements, urging them to stay away from the area.

Ogalla emphasized that the local government, in collaboration with security agencies, would continue to work towards maintaining peace and safety in the area, leaving no room for criminal activities.

He also called on residents to remain vigilant and support security operatives by providing useful information that could help prevent crime, fostering a collaborative effort to ensure the area's safety.