By Esther Ibeme
In a series of coordinated operations over the past two weeks, more than 30 suspected kidnappers, including members of the Biafra Auto Pilot—a breakaway faction of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to Finland-based Simon Ekpa—have been killed in various shootouts with security forces across Enugu State, according to the police.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the media office of Governor Peter Mbah quoted Police Superintendent Onochie Ezeh, who led a joint security operation to rescue several kidnapped victims along the Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Road in the early hours of Wednesday.
The operation culminated in the elimination of a seven-man kidnapping gang at Ogbeke Nike, where the suspects were using a large poultry farm as a hideout for their hostages.
The police described the operation as part of an ongoing effort to eradicate criminal elements in the state, including kidnappers, unknown gunmen, and other unlawful actors from neighboring states.
“We have been tracking these kidnappers for over three months,” said SP Ezeh. “They operated within this area, abducting victims and holding them at a large poultry farm in Ogbeke Nike until ransoms were paid. Acting on a tip-off from vigilant members of the public and information from some of the victims, we launched the operation. When the suspects saw us, they opened fire, and we responded, quickly overpowering them with superior firepower.”
SP Ezeh also highlighted the achievements of the combined security task force established by Governor Mbah, which has made significant progress in combating kidnappings and the activities of unknown gunmen in the state.
“This is a highly skilled tactical squad with a mandate to eliminate all forms of threats in the state. We’ve achieved significant successes over the past months,” Ezeh stated. “Our focus isn’t on seeking media attention, but on ensuring peace and safety for every citizen and resident of the state.”
Ezeh reported that the task force has neutralized over seven criminal gangs, mainly kidnappers and unknown gunmen. “We are pursuing them relentlessly, taking the fight directly to their hideouts because the governor has made it clear that we must rid the state of all threats. We have identified several criminal hideouts used for holding kidnap victims and storing weapons. These include locations at New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, Akegbe-Ugwu, Four Corners, Awgu, Mgbowo, Emene, Eke, and Afa in Udi, as well as parts of Isi Uzo local government area. During our operations, we neutralized over 30 kidnappers and recovered weapons and other valuables,” Ezeh added.
One of the rescued victims, Dr. Kate Pamela, recounted her harrowing experience in captivity.
“Every time I pass by that poultry farm, I feel a deep sense of injustice knowing it’s still in operation,” Dr. Pamela said. “We were held there for five days, and two victims were killed because their families could only afford ten million naira each, instead of the fifty million naira demanded. Even though I was able to identify the bodies of three of the kidnappers, I still believe that the area should be cleared. The government must ensure justice by converting that place into a landfill,” she demanded.