Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has announced the successful neutralization of over 30 suspected kidnappers, including members of the notorious Biafra Auto Pilot (Unknown Gunmen), a breakaway faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The operation, led by Superintendent of Police Onochie Ezeh, resulted in the rescue of kidnap victims and the dismantling of a criminal hideout at a poultry farm in Ogbeke Nike. According to Ezeh, the joint security operation has been ongoing for several months and has led to significant progress in combating crime in the state.
“We have been tracking these kidnappers for over three months,” Ezeh said. “They were operating in this area, kidnapping victims and holding them captive at a large poultry farm. We received information from concerned citizens and acted swiftly. When we confronted them, they opened fire, but we overpowered them.”
The police chief explained that the security task force, established by Governor Mbah, has been instrumental in addressing the kidnapping and unknown gunmen crisis in Enugu State.
“We have successfully neutralized several criminal gangs, including kidnappers and unknown gunmen,” he said. “We are actively pursuing them and taking the fight to their hideouts.”
Ezeh further revealed that the operation has led to the identification of numerous criminal hideouts throughout the state, including the New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, Akegbe-Ugwu, Four Corners, Awgu, Mgbowo, Emene, Eke, Afa, and parts of Isi Uzo. “We have neutralized over 30 kidnappers, recovered weapons, and rescued victims from these locations,” he added.
One of the rescued victims, Dr. Kate Pamela, shared her traumatic experience at the hands of the kidnappers. “They kidnapped us and held us captive for five days,” she said.
“They even killed two victims because their families couldn’t afford the ransom. I feel that the poultry farm should be demolished. It’s a constant reminder of the horrific ordeal we endured.”
