A joint security team has rescued four kidnapped victims during two separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Enugu State and communities along the Benue State border. Authorities, however, confirmed that another victim was found dead after reportedly being killed by the abductors before security operatives reached the hideout. The successful operations involved personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Enugu State Forest Guards, neighbourhood watch groups, vigilantes and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.

In the first operation, officers from the Udenu Police Division, the Anti-Kidnapping Section of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), the Distress Response Squad (DRS) and the Orukam Police Division in Benue State rescued two brothers who had been abducted at Ezimo-Ulo in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The victims were safely reunited with their families after security operatives tracked the kidnappers through coordinated intelligence gathering.

The second operation targeted another kidnap gang operating across the Enugu-Benue boundary, leading to the rescue of two additional victims. During the mission, security personnel also recovered the body of another hostage who was allegedly murdered by the abductors. Police said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects, while investigations continue to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attacks.

The Enugu State Police Command commended the collaboration among security agencies and local vigilante groups, describing it as a major factor behind the successful rescue missions. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, as the command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.