Enugu Forest Guard Records Major Breakthroughs In Anti-Kidnapping Operations, Rescues Kidnap Victim, Arrests Suspects, and Foils Another Kidnap Victim
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Enugu State Forest Guard (ENSFG) has recorded major operational successes in separate intelligence-led security operations conducted on Friday, 31 July 2026, across Nsukka and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas, resulting in the rescue of a kidnap victim, the arrest of three suspected criminal operatives, the recovery of stolen property, and the successful foiling of another attempted kidnapping, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
In Nsukka Local Government Area, operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guard, working jointly 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 swiftly on credible intelligence, the joint security team launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation and engaged the kidnappers in an exchange of gunfire. The victim was rescued unharmed, one suspected kidnapper was arrested, while three others fled into the forest. The victim and the suspect have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation, while bush-combing operations continue to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, operatives of the Ogboli Forest Guard, in collaboration with the Ogurugu and Ojjor Neighbourhood Watch groups, arrested Mr. Ugbedeojo John and Mr. Chidi Adaji, who were allegedly conveying two dismantled stolen motorcycles.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the motorcycles had been dismantled, with the engines and several major components allegedly sold at Adani, while the remaining parts were recovered during the operation. The recovered exhibits were later identified by their owner, Mr. Edwin Dibiagu. The suspects and recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary legal action, while efforts continue to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
Later the same day, at about 1820 hours, the Enugu State Forest Guard successfully foiled an attempted kidnapping along the Opi–Agu-Agu–Ekwegbe–Agu-Ukehe (Ugwuogo) Road in Nsukka Local Government Area.
Suspected armed kidnappers reportedly emerged from the adjoining bush at Opi-Uno and opened fire on a passing Toyota Sienna vehicle and other road users in an apparent attempt to force vehicles to stop for abduction. Responding promptly to the distress call, operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guard Headquarters Special Squad, working alongside the Distress Response Squad (DRS) of the Nigeria Police Force, engaged the armed suspects in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding forest.
Security operatives recovered several expended 7.62mm calibre cartridge cases believed to have been fired from AK-pattern rifles. No person was kidnapped during the attempted attack, and joint pursuit operations by the Nsukka Forest Guard Command and Ezimo Sector are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Enugu State Forest Guard commends the courage, professionalism, and vigilance of its personnel, the Nigeria Police Force, local hunters, and neighbourhood watch groups whose continued collaboration has significantly strengthened the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
The Command reassures residents that intelligence-led operations and proactive security patrols will continue across Enugu State to deny criminals safe havens and protect lives and property. Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The Enugu State Forest Guard remains steadfast in its commitment to working with all security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure lasting peace, security, and public safety throughout Enugu State.
Signed
ASFG Uliaga Geraldine Chiagozie
Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Forest Guard
