Picnews
The Enugu State Forest Guard (ENSFG) has recorded significant operational successes in separate intelligence-driven security operations carried out on Friday, July 31, 2026, across Nsukka and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas. The operations led to the rescue of a kidnap victim, the arrest of three suspected criminal operatives, the recovery of stolen property, and the successful prevention of another attempted kidnapping, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) reports.
In Nsukka Local Government Area, operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guard, working in collaboration with members of the local hunters’ association, 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 immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, engaging the kidnappers in a gun battle. The victim was rescued unharmed, while one suspected kidnapper was arrested. Three other suspects escaped into the forest and are currently being pursued.
The rescued victim and the arrested suspect have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation, while bush-combing operations remain ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate 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 several major components allegedly sold in Adani. The remaining parts were recovered during the operation and subsequently identified by the owner, Mr. Edwin Dibiagu.
The suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and appropriate legal action. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.
Later that same day, at approximately 6:20 p.m., the Enugu State Forest Guard thwarted another attempted kidnapping along the Opi–Agu-Agu–Ekwegbe–Agu-Ukehe (Ugwuogo) Road in Nsukka Local Government Area.
According to reports, suspected armed kidnappers 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 motorists to stop for abduction.
Following a distress call, operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guard Headquarters Special Squad, working alongside the Distress Response Squad (DRS) of the Nigeria Police Force, responded swiftly and engaged the armed suspects in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The attackers were forced to abandon the operation and flee into the surrounding forest.
During the operation, security personnel recovered several expended 7.62mm calibre cartridge cases believed to have been fired from AK-pattern rifles. No one was abducted during the attempted attack, while joint pursuit operations involving the Nsukka Forest Guard Command and the Ezimo Sector remain underway to track down the fleeing suspects.
The Enugu State Forest Guard commended the courage, professionalism and vigilance displayed by its personnel, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, local hunters and neighbourhood watch groups, noting that their sustained collaboration has continued to strengthen the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The Command reassured residents that intelligence-led operations and proactive security patrols would continue across Enugu State to deny criminal elements safe havens while safeguarding lives and property.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime.
The Enugu State Forest Guard reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to working closely with all security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain peace, enhance public safety and strengthen security across Enugu State.
Signed:
ASFG Uliaga Geraldine Chiagozie
Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Forest Guard
