The Enugu State Police Command recently presented 14 individuals suspected of being part of a kidnapping ring tied to multiple abductions and a homicide across the state. Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa announced the arrests during a Thursday briefing, noting that these suspects were apprehended following strategic intelligence operations in various states.
Authorities recovered a cache of weapons, including five AK-47 rifles, two pump-action shotguns, a homemade firearm, 310 rounds of live ammunition, eight cartridges, and seven magazines. According to the Commissioner, some members were tracked to Port Harcourt after fleeing the scene of a church kidnapping in the Affa community. There, they reportedly regrouped to abduct another individual, securing a 5 million naira ransom before their eventual capture.
The criminal group is accused of conducting operations along major routes, including the Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road. Investigations reveal their involvement in several high-profile abductions, with ransoms totaling millions of naira and tens of thousands of dollars. The police stated that illegal proceeds were often laundered through livestock investments, property purchases, and luxury spending.
Commissioner Giwa credited the success of these arrests to improved inter-agency collaboration and technology-driven police work. He confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify remaining accomplices and recover further assets. The Command remains committed to clearing Enugu State of criminal activity and has urged citizens to report suspicious behavior through official channels.
