By Kamil Opeyemi
The Police Command in Enugu State has foiled a kidnap attempt and neutralised two kidnap suspects at Ogbeke-Nike axis of Ugwogo-Nike/Opi/Nsukka Road in the State.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Monday in Enugu.
According to him, one AK-47 rifle with two magazines, 82 rounds and 16 rounds of 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm calibres of live ammunition were recovered from the suspects respectively.
Others recovered from the suspects were one cutlass, two mobile phones and other incriminating exhibits from the hoodlums.
Ndukwe said: “Police Operatives of Enugu State Command, in the evening hours of Sept. 3, foiled an attempt to kidnap some road users at Ogbeke-Nike, along Ugwogo-Nike/Opi/Nsukka Road.
“The hoodlums had blocked the road and shot sporadically, before the operatives, some of whom were on VIPs escort duty, gallantly responded.
“Two of the miscreants were neutralised on the spot, while many others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.”
He, however, disclosed that one of the police operatives who sustained a gunshot wound in the ensuing gun duel was taken to the hospital and later confirmed dead by doctors.
The police spokesman said that the remains of the gallant officer had been deposited in the mortuary.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, while mourning the unfortunate loss of the operative, whom he described as gallant even in death, has commended the entire police personnel.
“The commissioner also thanked Neighbourhood Watch Group and Forest Guards involved in the operation for their courage and job well done.
“He reiterates the firm commitment of the police to ruthlessly deal with, and rid the state of unrepentant criminals, especially those involved in violent crimes,” he said.
Ndukwe said that he CP had enjoined citizens of the state to remain security conscious, law-abiding and promptly report criminals and individuals found with bullet wounds to the nearest police station.