Gun Battle in Enugu Forest: Security Forces Rescue 12 Kidnap Victims, Recover AK-47 Rifles
“Security operatives in Enugu State have rescued 12 kidnapped victims after a coordinated raid on a suspected kidnapper hideout in the Effeche Eja/Ojugo forest corridor in Igbo-Eze North LGA. The joint operation by the Enugu State Forest Guard, police special intervention squad and other agencies also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and the arrest of three suspected kidnappers.”
“Fear and anxiety that had gripped several families in Enugu State turned to relief after security forces stormed a notorious forest hideout and freed twelve kidnapped victims in a dramatic rescue operation. The daring raid, which triggered a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers, is part of an intensified crackdown on criminal gangs operating from remote forest corridors across the state.”
Security operatives in Enugu State have rescued twelve kidnapped victims following a coordinated raid on a suspected kidnapper hideout located within the Effeche Eja/Ojugo forest corridor around Ette and Aguibeje communities in Igbo‑Eze North Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out by the Enugu State Forest Guard in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force Inspector-General’s Special Intervention Squad and other security agencies as part of an ongoing statewide bush-combing exercise aimed at dismantling criminal camps operating within forest corridors and rural communities.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Akinbayo O. Olasoji, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities and suspected hideout of a kidnapping gang operating within the forest axis.
He explained that security operatives encountered the suspected kidnappers during the raid, and the criminals reportedly opened fire on the approaching team, leading to a gun battle.
“At the end of the engagement, the joint security team successfully rescued twelve kidnapped victims from the criminals’ hideout, while two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the suspects,” the statement said.
The operation also led to the disruption and dismantling of a kidnapping camp within the Effeche forest corridor.
Dr. Olasoji, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police who previously served in charge of Operations at the Enugu State Police Command, further disclosed that follow-up operations by a combined team of the police, the Nigerian Army, Forest Guard, and neighbourhood watch groups resulted in the interception and arrest of three suspected kidnappers within the operational area.
The suspects, he added, are currently in police custody and assisting investigators.
The Forest Guard commander noted that the success of the operation underscores the effectiveness of ongoing forest security operations across the state and reflects the growing strength of inter-agency collaboration in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He reassured residents that security patrols and bush-combing operations across forest corridors and rural communities remain active.
“We urge members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to help identify and flush out criminal elements,” he said, adding that further updates would be communicated as the security operations progress.
