Victims of four kidnapping incidents in Enugu State have parted with a whooping sum of N30.5 million and $98,700.00 as ransom between April and June 2027.
This was disclosed on Friday by the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, during a press conference.
NATIONAL POST earlier reported that the police announced the recovery of a total of 333 different types of arms and ammunition as well the arrest of 26 suspected criminals.
CP Giwa disclosed that a male victim at Mgbabu-Owa/Aguobu-Owa, Ezeagu LGA, on 25th May, 2026, paid five million, five hundred thousand Naira (₦5,500,000.00) as ransom.
“The abduction of two male victims and the shooting and murder of a female victim at Obioma, Udi LGA, on 9th May, 2026, during which the gang obtained twenty-eight thousand US Dollars ($28,700.00) as ransom.
“The abduction of two male victims along the Eke–Ezinze Road, Udi LGA, on 10th April, 2026, for which Seventy Thousand US Dollars ($70,000.00) was obtained as ransom.
“The kidnapping of seven victims at Obinaofia, Ezeagu LGA, on 12th April, 2026, during which Twenty- Five Million Naira (₦25,000,000.00) was obtained as ransom,” he disclosed.
According to him, there were in addition to other kidnapping incidents and ransom payments which the suspects had disclosed during interrogation.
“Investigation has further revealed that the suspects laundered and concealed proceeds of their criminal activities through investments in livestock and different properties, lavish spending and other conspicuous consumption, as well as leisure and overseas trips, including trips to neighbouring countries such as Cameroon.
“The Command is conducting further investigations to establish the suspects’ involvement in other kidnapping and violent-crime incidents within and outside Enugu State, identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, and recover additional firearms, ammunition and other criminal proceeds.
“Upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects will be charged to court in accordance with extant laws.
“The arrests and recoveries are a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of sustained intelligence gathering, ICT-enabled investigation, inter-agency collaboration, inter-state cooperation and coordinated operational policing adopted by the Command.
“I wish to assure the government and people of Enugu State that the Command remains resolute in its offensive against kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, cultism and other violent crimes across the State.
“Our intelligence assets and operational teams remain fully engaged in identifying criminal networks, dismantling their structures and bringing their members to justice.
“We will continue to make Enugu State increasingly unconducive to unrepentant local criminals, criminal elements seeking to infiltrate the State, and their activities.
“I most sincerely appreciate the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his strategic leadership, guidance and sustained operational support, which have continued to enhance effective and result-oriented policing in Enugu State.
“I would also like to express my profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his unwavering support and commitment to making the State safe, secure and conducive for residents, visitors and legitimate economic activities.
“His forward-looking leadership and support for training and security operations have significantly strengthened our collective efforts to combat crime in the State.
“I equally commend other security agencies for their collaborative support, while also thanking members of the public for their continued cooperation and timely provision of useful information to the Police,” he stated. (National Post)
