The Enugu State Police Command has announced the rescue of a woman abducted by suspected kidnappers in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.

It said the rescue followed an intelligence-led operation that also resulted in the death of one of the suspects.

According to the police, in a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

Ndukwe said the incident occurred at about 10:10 a.m. on July 31 when armed men reportedly emerged from a nearby forest and abducted the woman along Anuka Road in Okpuje, Nsukka Local Government Area.

“Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have promptly rescued a kidnapped woman, neutralised one suspected kidnapper, and launched a manhunt for other fleeing gang members following an intelligence-guided operation at Okpuje in Nsukka Local Government Area,” the statement read.

Upon receiving a distress call, the statement noted that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Okpuje Division mobilised police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch to trail the kidnappers.

It said the security team tracked the suspects to a forest in the Anuka area near the Enugu-Kogi State boundary, where they engaged them in a gun battle.

“During the ensuing gun duel, one suspect was neutralised, while others fled with suspected gunshot injuries. The victim was rescued unhurt, while her two children and motorcycle, left behind by the kidnappers at the scene, were also secured,” the police said.

According to the command, the woman and her children have since been reunited with their family.

It added that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Commending the operatives involved in the rescue mission, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, praised the collaboration among the police, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch.

“The Commissioner of Police… commended the police operatives, Forest Guards, and Neighbourhood Watch members for their swift response and collaboration,” the statement said.

Giwa also reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations against violent crime across the state.

“He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against violent crime and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible, timely information to the police,” the statement added.