Police rescue three kidnap victims, recover stolen car, firearms in Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have successfully rescued three individuals who had been abducted, recovering their stolen Lexus RX350 SUV, firearms, and ammunition. The operation, which also involved the Neighbourhood Watch corps and local community members, was a swift response to an intelligence report concerning a carjacking and abduction incident.

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The operation followed credible intelligence received at about 1:30 a.m. on August 18, 2026, while the operatives were on crime-prevention patrol along the Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu, concerning the carjacking and abduction of occupants of a Lexus RX350 within Independence Layout by armed hoodlums.

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on August 18, 2026, when the victims were carjacked and abducted within the Independence Layout area by armed assailants. Police received credible intelligence and immediately launched a pursuit. The suspects, under pressure from the pursuing officers, abandoned the vehicle and their weapons before fleeing the scene.

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Acting swiftly, the operatives commenced a hot pursuit of the suspects, which continued to Hillview Road, Independence Layout. On reaching the area, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and their firearms before fleeing the scene.

The rescued victims were unharmed and were safely taken to safety. Recovered from the scene were the victim's vehicle, a locally made pistol loaded with ammunition, a cut-to-size firearm, a live cartridge, gloves, a ski mask, and a mobile phone, all left behind by the fleeing suspects.

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The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, smicm, commended the operatives, members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and vigilant citizens for their swift and coordinated response.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the efforts of the operatives, the Neighbourhood Watch, and the vigilant citizens. He emphasized the command's commitment to intelligence-led and community-supported operations against violent crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery. The police are intensifying their investigation, including a manhunt for the suspects, to recover further evidence and establish their involvement in the crime. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any credible information to the police.

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He reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led and community-supported operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other violent crimes, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to the police.