Enugu Forest Guards Foil Kidnappers’ Escape, Rescue Seven Victims After Gun Battle
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
Seven kidnapped victims have regained their freedom after operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guards (ENSFG), supported by the Ibagwa-Ani Community Neighbourhood Watch, intercepted and engaged armed kidnappers in a gun battle during a rescue operation in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) reports that 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., concerning the abduction of residents in the community.
Acting swiftly on the information, the Forest Guards mobilised to Utobolo in the neighbouring Ibagwa-Agu Community, where they confronted the fleeing kidnappers.
A fierce gun battle reportedly ensued as the joint security team mounted pressure on the armed criminals. Unable to withstand the sustained response, the kidnappers abandoned all 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.
They were safely evacuated to the palace of Igwe C.Y. of Ibagwa-Ani, where they received immediate care pending further security and welfare procedures.
Preliminary accounts from the rescued victims indicated that the kidnappers were six heavily armed men reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles.
Commending the bravery and professionalism of the Forest Guards, the Commander of the ENSFG, Dr. Olasoji Akinbayo, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, praised members of the Ibagwa-Ani Community Neighbourhood Watch for their critical role in the successful operation.
He described the rescue as a demonstration of the importance of collaboration between state security personnel and local communities in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
The ENSFG Commander further assured residents that a manhunt was underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to protecting lives and property across Enugu State.
