Enugu Forest Guard Scores Major Victory Against Kidnappers, Rescues Victim, Arrests Suspects, Foils Fresh Abduction Attempt
The Enugu State Forest Guard (ENSFG) has recorded significant operational successes in separate intelligence-driven security operations across Nsukka and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas, rescuing a kidnapped woman, arresting three suspected criminals, recovering stolen property, and thwarting another attempted kidnapping.
The operations, carried out on Friday, July 31, 2026, underscore the Forest Guard’s growing effectiveness in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Enugu State.
In Nsukka Local Government Area, operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guard, working in collaboration with members of the local hunters’ association, successfully rescued Mrs. Asadu Calistar of Opkuje Community, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers while working on her farm with her children along the Anuka Road axis.
Acting on credible intelligence, the joint security team launched a swift search-and-rescue mission, engaging the kidnappers in a gun battle. The victim was rescued unharmed, one suspected kidnapper was arrested, while three others escaped into the forest.
The rescued victim and the arrested suspect have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation, while security operatives continue intensive bush-combing operations to track down the fleeing suspects.
In another operation in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, operatives of the Ogboli Forest Guard, in conjunction with the Ogurugu and Ojjor Neighbourhood Watch groups, arrested Mr. Ugbedeojo John and Mr. Chidi Adaji for allegedly transporting two dismantled stolen motorcycles.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcycles had been dismantled, with their engines and other valuable components allegedly sold in Adani, while the remaining parts were recovered during the operation. The recovered exhibits were later identified by their owner, Mr. Edwin Dibiagu.
The suspects, alongside the recovered exhibits, have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution, while efforts continue to identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.
Later that same day, at about 6:20 p.m., the Enugu State Forest Guard also foiled an attempted kidnapping along the Opi–Agu-Agu–Ekwegbe–Agu-Ukehe (Ugwuogo) Road in Nsukka Local Government Area.
According to reports, armed kidnappers emerged from the surrounding bush at Opi-Uno and opened fire on a passing Toyota Sienna and other motorists in an attempt to force vehicles to stop for abduction.
Responding swiftly to distress calls, operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guard Headquarters Special Squad, working alongside the Distress Response Squad (DRS) of the Nigeria Police Force, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee into the forest.
Security operatives recovered several expended 7.62mm calibre cartridge cases believed to have been fired from AK-pattern rifles. No victim was kidnapped during the attack, while joint pursuit operations by the Nsukka Forest Guard Command and Ezimo Sector remain ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Enugu State Forest Guard commended the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of its personnel, the Nigeria Police Force, local hunters, and neighbourhood watch groups, noting that their sustained collaboration has continued to strengthen the fight against kidnapping and violent crime across the state.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and proactive security patrols to deny criminals safe havens and ensure the safety of lives and property.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies as the Forest Guard pledged to work closely with all security stakeholders and communities to maintain lasting peace, security, and public safety throughout Enugu State.