Enugu Forest Guards Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Suspects

 Enugu Forest Guards Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Suspects

Seven kidnapped victims have been rescued after operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guards (ENSFG), working with the Ibagwa-Ani Community Neighbourhood Watch, engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The rescue operation, which took place on Thursday, followed credible intelligence received on the evening of August 6 from the traditional ruler of Ibagwa-Ani, His Royal Highness, Igwe C.Y., concerning the abduction of residents in the community.

Acting on the information, the Forest Guards mobilised to Utobolo in the neighbouring Ibagwa-Agu Community, where they intercepted the fleeing suspects.

A fierce gun battle reportedly ensued between the security operatives and the kidnappers. Unable to withstand the sustained pressure, the suspects abandoned the seven victims and fled through the Ola axis towards neighbouring Kogi State.

The rescued victims were identified as Mrs. Ugwu Anabel, Mr. Ugwu Chinedu, Agbo Chinagorom, Chijekwu Oneje, Hon. Jude, Chiagozie Ugwuobeta and the daughter of Chiagozie Ugwuobeta.

The victims were subsequently evacuated to the palace of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa-Ani, where they received immediate care pending further security and welfare procedures.

Preliminary accounts from the victims indicated that the kidnappers were six heavily armed men, reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles.

Commending the Forest Guards and the Ibagwa-Ani Community Neighbourhood Watch for their roles in the operation, the Commander of the ENSFG, Dr. Olasoji Akinbayo, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, described the rescue as a demonstration of the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

Akinbayo praised the community neighbourhood watch for providing critical support during the operation and said the successful rescue underscored the growing cooperation between state security structures and residents in the fight against criminal activities.

He assured residents that security operatives had commenced a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

The ENSFG commander also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that prompt information remains crucial to efforts to protect lives and property across Enugu State.