Police operatives, on Thursday night, killed two suspected kidnappers during a raid on their hideout in Enugu State.
Spokesman for the state police command, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed through a statement on Friday that the operatives recovered one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 125 rounds of live ammunition in the operation carried out operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping, Distress Response and Special Intervention Squads.
He added that the raid on the hideout located in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area followed a diligently gathered intelligence by the operatives.
Ndukwe said: “Upon the operatives’ arrival, the kidnappers opened fire on them, prompting a return of fire.
“In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
“A manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate is underway.
“A male victim, identified as the Personal Assistant (PA) to a public figure (names withheld), kidnapped by the gang on September 27 in Trans-Ekulu axis of Enugu was rescued unharmed.”
Ndukwe said preliminary investigations revealed that the criminals had demanded a ransom of N40 million for the release of their victim.
“Further investigations revealed that the group was responsible for several kidnappings within the Enugu metropolis and its environs in recent times.
“Some of their members have been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them previously.
“Furthermore, the buildings used for these criminal acts, including the present one, have been destroyed by the Enugu State Government.
“The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, has commended the operatives’ efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state.
“The commissioner called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant and to support the police in their efforts,” he added.