The Enugu State Police Command has successfully rescued 28 kidnap victims and apprehended 10 male suspects during multiple coordinated operations across different parts of the state, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the command's spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe.

The operations, led by Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa, also resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, and other items from the suspects.

In one of the operations, officers attached to the Umumba Police Division, working in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards, and community members, rescued four victims—two males and two females—who had been kidnapped along the Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area. Four male suspects connected to the crime were arrested and are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.

In a separate incident, personnel from the 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call and rescued a male suspect from a violent mob. The suspect, along with three others who escaped, had attempted to kidnap a woman who raised an alarm. The apprehended suspect, who sustained severe injuries from the mob attack, has been taken to a hospital for treatment while investigations continue.

Additionally, operatives from the Okpuje Police Division, in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards, conducted a strategic bush-combing operation on May 17, 2025, in a forest bordering Okpuje in Enugu State and Odolu in Kogi State. During this operation, they intercepted two men carrying ₦150,000 and ₦70,000 respectively, intended as ransom payments, along with loaves of bread and drinks demanded by kidnappers.

"Upon further incursion, the team encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers but responded with superior firepower, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds and abandon the victims," the police statement revealed. A pump-action gun and two live cartridges were recovered during the operation, and efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

The police command emphasized that these operations are part of sustained efforts to rid Enugu State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents. All rescued victims were reported to be in good health following their ordeal.