Police foil kidnapping attempt, neutralise 2 suspects in Enugu

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The Police Command in Enugu State has foiled a kidnapping attempt, and neutralised two suspects in two separate operations in the state.

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This is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday in Enugu.

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Ndukwe said that three firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, a Beretta and locally-fabricated double-barrelled pistols, two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm calibre ammunition, one live cartridge and phones were recovered during the operations.

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According to him, on May 30, at about 8; 30p.m., information was received that a gang of about five armed men were attempting to kidnap an individual along the Nowas–Abakpa Road axis of Enugu.

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”Operatives attached to the command’s Trans-Ekulu Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, swiftly responded and encountered the suspects, who opened fire on them.

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”Our operatives responded with precision and fatally immobilised one of the suspects, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

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“The suspect was immediately taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.

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“One AK-47 rifle, a double magazine loaded with thirty rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, and two mobile phones were recovered from the neutralised suspect.

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“Further intelligence-led operations by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol connected to the criminal gang.”

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Ndukwe said that similarly on the same date at about 9; 19p.m., information was received that a gang of armed robbers had invaded a residence in Owo community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state.

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He said that the gang of armed robbers was robbing a male victim of his personal belongings.

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The spokesman said that operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, in conjunction with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, immediately mobilised to the scene and engaged the suspects.

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He said that upon sighting the operatives, the criminal suspects opened fire on the team.

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According to him, the operatives responded and neutralised one of the suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

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He said, that one locally-made double-barrelled pistol loaded with one live cartridge was recovered from the neutralised suspect.

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“Operational efforts have been intensified to detain the fleeing suspects and recover additional exhibits, while investigations into both incidents are ongoing,” he said.

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He quoted the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, as commending the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group for their bravery, professionalism and prompt response.

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The commissioner reiterated the command’s firm resolve to protecting lives and property in the state.

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He urged citizens to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to enhance public safety.

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