Three people abducted by armed hoodlums in Enugu have been rescued by operatives of the state Police Command, following a swift response to intelligence on a carjacking and abduction incident.
The victims were rescued during an operation carried out by personnel of the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit, with assistance from members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and residents.
The incident occurred in the early hours of August 18, 2026, when the police received information about the abduction of occupants of a Lexus RX350 in Independence Layout, Enugu.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, the operatives were on crime-prevention patrol along the Port Harcourt Expressway when they received the intelligence at about 1:30 a.m.
Ndukwe said, “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.
“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 three victims were subsequently rescued unharmed, with support from members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and law-abiding citizens, and taken to safety.”
The fleeing suspects left behind the Lexus RX350 and several items believed to have been used in the operation.
Among the recovered exhibits were a locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol containing five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a locally made cut-to-size firearm and another live cartridge.
Police also recovered a mobile phone, a pair of hand gloves and a ski mask.
Ndukwe said the investigation had been intensified, with detectives launching a manhunt for the suspects.
“Recovered from the scene were the said victim’s vehicle, one locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one locally made cut-to-size firearm, one live cartridge, a pair of hand gloves, one skimmask and one mobile phone, all abandoned by the fleeing suspects. Investigation has been intensified, with a manhunt launched to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects, recover further exhibits and establish their involvement in the crime.
“The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, smicm, commended the operatives, members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and vigilant citizens for their swift and coordinated response. 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,” the statement concluded.
