Posted by Chinenye on Fri 14th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
A major police operation in Enugu has uncovered an alleged criminal network linked to a string of kidnappings, ransom payments and a deadly attack across several states.
(Suspects. Photo by Vanguard News)
The Enugu State Police Command has presented 14 suspects allegedly linked to a k!dnapping syndicate responsible for multiple crimi
nal operations and a homicide case throughout the state. Police disclosed during a press briefing that arrests resulted from intelligence-driven operations conducted across several states.
Officers recovered five automatic rifles, two pump-action weapons, one locally fabricated firearm, 310 rounds of live ammunition, eight cartridges and seven empty rifle magazines.
Two of the suspects allegedly involved in the ab3uction of worshippers at a church in a community fled to Port Harcourt but were subsequently located and apprehended.
Preliminary investigations indicated that following their departure from Enugu, the suspects reunited with associates in Port Harcourt and ab3ucted another victim, who was released after a N5 million ransom was paid.
The 14 suspects are linked to a broader criminal enterprise operating across different regions of the country, with members congregating in Enugu to organise and execute k!dnapping operations before dispersing to various locations.
The suspects confessed to involvement in multiple ab3uction incidents along various roads and axes in local government areas.
The syndicate was linked to the ab3uction of an individual on May 25, 2026, from which N5.5 million ransom was reportedly extracted.
The gang was also connected to the ab3uction of two men and the sh00ting and k!lling of a woman on May 9, during which $28,700 was allegedly obtained as ransom.
Additional ab3uctions on April 10 along specified roads involved two victims for which $70,000 was paid, and a seventh ab3uction on April 12 at another location for which N25 million was allegedly collected.
Investigations revealed that proceeds from criminal activities were laundered through livestock and property investments, extravagant expenditures and foreign travel.
The police commissioner attributed the arrests to intelligence gathering, technology-enabled investigation, inter-agency coordination and cross-state cooperation.
Investigations continue to identify additional syndicate members, recover additional weapons and criminal proceeds, and establish suspect involvement in other ab3uction and violent-crime cases within and beyond Enugu State.
Police assured residents they would sustain their offensive against k!dnapping, armed r0bbery, m3rder, cultism and other violent crimes, making the state increasingly unconducive to criminal enterprises.
Police appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information regarding suspicious individuals, movements and activities through established channels.
The commissioner commended the Inspector-General of Police, state governor and other security agencies for their collaboration in the crime-fighting effort.