The Enugu State Forest Guard and the Inspector-General of Police Special Intervention Squad, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued twelve (12) kidnapped victims during a coordinated bush combing and forest security operation within the Effeche Eja/Ojugo forest corridor around Ette and Aguibeje communities in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The operation followed credible intelligence regarding the activities and suspected hideout of a kidnapping gang operating within the forest axis. The operation was coordinated by the Commander, Enugu State Forest Guard, DCP Akinbayo Olasunkanmi (retd) as part of the ongoing statewide bush combing exercise directed by the Government of Enugu State to dismantle criminal hideouts across forest corridors and rural communities.
During the operation, security operatives encountered the suspected kidnappers who opened fire on the approaching team, leading to an exchange of fire. At the end of the engagement, the joint security team successfully rescued twelve (12) kidnapped victims from the criminals’ hideout, while two (2) AK-47 rifles were recovered from the suspects. The operation also resulted in the disruption of a kidnapping camp within the Effeche forest corridor.
Follow-up operations carried out by a combined team of the Police, Army, Forest Guard, and Neighbourhood Watch led to the interception and arrest of three (3) suspected kidnappers within the operational area. The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting ongoing investigations.
This successful operation further demonstrates the effectiveness of the ongoing forest security operations and the strength of inter-agency collaboration in combating kidnapping and related criminal activities across Enugu State.
The Enugu State Forest Guard wishes to reassure residents that security operations across forest corridors and rural communities remain active and sustained.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible information that will assist in identifying and flushing out criminal elements from any part of the State.
Further developments will be communicated as the ongoing security operations progress.