Security forces in Enugu have successfully neutralised over 30 kidnappers in a major operation. Learn more about the outcome and its impact on the area.
Security forces in Enugu State have successfully neutralized over 30 kidnappers, including operatives of the Biafra Auto Pilot group – an offshoot of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Simon Ekpa who is currently based in Finland.
This development marks a significant milestone towards eradicating criminal activities within the region.
Enugu and its neighboring regions have been terrorized by the group called “Unknown Gunmen,” who are infamous for their activities.
A statement, issued by Governor Peter Mbah’s media office, confirmed the efficient operations. According to Police Superintendent Onochie Ezeh quoted in the statement, a security task force headed by SP Ezeh has been working hard to eliminate kidnappers and other miscreants from the state.
Early on Wednesday, a seven-member gang was neutralized in one of the major operations that occurred on the Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Road. These kidnappers had been utilizing a sizable poultry farm located at Ogbeke Nike as their hideout where they detained hostages until ransoms were paid.
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According to SP Ezeh, this particular operation formed a crucial component of an extensive campaign aimed at rooting out criminals who had been conducting illegal activities from different undisclosed locations throughout the state. “We diligently followed these kidnappers’ trail for over three months; we received credible intelligence regarding suspicious activities in their vicinity and testimonies from previous captives, prompting us to initiate our intervention. The moment they detected our presence, the perpetrators initiated gunfire but were eventually defeated by our superior weaponry,” he explained.
Governor Peter Mbah’s strategic move to create a security task force devoted to tackling abductions and the nefarious activities of unidentified gunmen has yielded remarkable outcomes. According to SP Ezeh, this squad has effectively dismantled more than seven criminal organizations in recent months while steadfastly pursuing its goal of eradicating all forms of danger within the region. As such, their operations have resulted in pinpointing and wiping out many illicit hideouts scattered across numerous locations like New Artisan Market, Akwuke, Akegbe-Ugwu, among others.
Dr. Kate Pamela, who was rescued recently, shared the harrowing account of her ordeal with kidnappers and called for justice by demolishing their poultry farm. Recounting how she and others were held captive for five days while two victims lost their lives because of unmet ransom demands, Dr. Pamela expressed frustration that such heinous activities could be carried out in a specific location without consequences. She suggested clearing the area completely and repurposing it as a landfill to serve as an example to others looking to commit similar atrocities in the future.”
The Enugu State security forces’ triumphant actions signify a crucial measure in reestablishing serenity and protection to the area. The administration has emphasized its dedication to persistently combat crime while safeguarding all inhabitants and locals within the state’s borders.
