By Constance Adaurie
Seven kidnapped victims regained their freedom on Thursday after operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guards (ENSFG), supported by the Ibagwa-Ani Community Neighbourhood Watch, intercepted and repelled armed kidnappers during a rescue operation in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
The operation followed credible intelligence received on the evening of August 6 from the traditional ruler of Ibagwa-Ani, His Royal Highness Igwe C.Y., reporting the abduction of residents within the community.
Acting swiftly, the Forest Guards mobilised to Utobolo in neighbouring Ibagwa-Agu Community, where they confronted the fleeing kidnappers in a fierce gun battle. Unable to withstand the sustained pressure from the joint security team, the armed criminals abandoned all seven captives and escaped through the Ola axis into neighbouring Kogi State.
The rescued victims including Mrs. Ugwu Anabel, Mr. Ugwu Chinedu, Agbo Chinagorom, Chijekwu Oneje, Hon. Jude, Chiagozie Ugwuobeta, and the daughter of Chiagozie Ugwuobeta were safely evacuated to the palace of Igwe C.Y. of Ibagwa-Ani, where they received immediate care before further security and welfare procedures.
According to preliminary accounts from the victims, the kidnappers were six heavily armed men wielding AK-47 rifles.
Commending the bravery and professionalism of the Forest Guards, the Commander of the ENSFG, Dr. Olasoji Akinbayo (DCP retd) praised members of the Ibagwa-Ani Community Neighbourhood Watch for their critical role in the successful rescue. He described the operation as a testament to the growing partnership between state security agencies and local communities in combating crime.
The Commander assured residents that a manhunt is underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen efforts at protecting lives and property across Enugu State.
