Enugu Forest Guard Rescues Kidnap Victim, Arrests Three Suspects, Foils Fresh Abduction Attempt

 Enugu Forest Guard Rescues Kidnap Victim, Arrests Three Suspects, Foils Fresh Abduction Attempt

The Enugu State Forest Guard (ENSFG) has recorded major successes in its ongoing campaign against kidnapping and violent crime, rescuing an abducted woman, arresting three suspected criminals, recovering stolen motorcycle parts, and foiling another attempted kidnapping in separate intelligence-led operations across Nsukka and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas.

The Enugu State Forest Guard (ENSFG) has recorded significant breakthroughs in its anti-kidnapping operations following a series of intelligence-driven security missions that led to the rescue of an abducted woman, the arrest of three suspected criminals, the recovery of stolen property, and the disruption of another kidnap attempt in Enugu State.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Uliaga Geraldine Chiagozie, the operations were carried out on Friday, July 31, 2026, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, local hunters, and neighbourhood watch groups.

In Nsukka Local Government Area, operatives of the Forest Guard, working alongside members of the local hunters' association, rescued Mrs. Asadu Calistar of Opkuje Community, who was abducted while working on her farm with her children along the Anuka Road axis.

The statement said the rescue operation followed credible intelligence, prompting security operatives to launch a coordinated search-and-rescue mission. During the operation, the team engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, successfully rescuing the victim unharmed.

One suspected kidnapper was arrested during the operation, while three others escaped into the forest. The rescued victim and the suspect have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation, while security operatives continue bush-combing operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In another operation in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, operatives of the Ogboli Forest Guard, working with the Ogurugu and Ojjor Neighbourhood Watch groups, arrested two suspects identified as Ugbedeojo John and Chidi Adaji for allegedly transporting two dismantled stolen motorcycles.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcycles had been dismantled, with their engines and several key components allegedly sold in Adani. The remaining parts were recovered during the operation and were later identified by their owner, Mr. Edwin Dibiagu.

The suspects and the recovered exhibits have also been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.

Later that same day, at about 6:20 p.m., the Enugu State Forest Guard foiled another attempted kidnapping along the Opi–Agu-Agu–Ekwegbe–Agu-Ukehe (Ugwuogo) Road in Nsukka Local Government Area.

The command said suspected armed kidnappers emerged from a nearby forest around Opi-Uno and opened fire on a passing Toyota Sienna vehicle and other motorists in an attempt to force vehicles to stop for abduction.

Following a distress call, operatives of the Forest Guard Headquarters Special Squad, in collaboration with the Distress Response Squad of the Nigeria Police Force, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to flee into the surrounding forest.

Security personnel recovered several expended 7.62mm calibre cartridge cases believed to have been fired from AK-pattern rifles at the scene. No victim was abducted during the attack, while joint pursuit operations involving the Nsukka Forest Guard Command and Ezimo Sector are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Enugu State Forest Guard commended the courage and professionalism of its personnel, the Nigeria Police Force, local hunters, and neighbourhood watch groups, noting that their collaboration continues to strengthen efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The command reassured residents that intelligence-led operations and proactive security patrols would continue across Enugu State to deny criminals safe havens and safeguard lives and property.

It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.