The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects linked to a string of kidnappings and one killing across multiple local government areas, recovering five AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, and large quantities of ammunition. Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa disclosed the arrests on Friday during a parade at the command headquarters in Enugu, stating that the syndicate collected over N40 million and $98,700 in ransom from four major operations between April and May 2026. The gang allegedly abducted victims along key routes including the Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka Road and in Ezeagu and Udi LGAs, with specific incidents including the abduction of seven people at Obinaofia on April 12, 2026, for N25 million, and the killing of a woman during a kidnapping at Obioma on May 9, 2026, after receiving $28,700.
Two suspects connected to the abduction of churchgoers in Inoyi, Affa Community, fled to Port Harcourt but were later re-arrested after abducting another victim there for N5 million. The remaining 12 were apprehended through intelligence operations in Abuja, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Kwara, and Taraba states. Police allege the network operated nationally but converged in Enugu to plan attacks, using a locally based tricycle rider to transport members and weapons and another Enugu resident to supply surveillance intelligence. Recovered funds were reportedly laundered into livestock, property, leisure spending, and trips to Cameroon. Investigations continue into further cases, and the suspects will be charged upon completion of the probe.
The police say two suspects fled to Port Harcourt and committed another kidnapping after escaping initial detection, raising questions about inter-state coordination in tracking known offenders. This gap matters because residents in multiple states remained at risk despite earlier intelligence on the same individuals.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
