Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Recover Lexus, Guns After Midnight Carjacking in Enugu

Three kidnapping victims have been rescued unharmed in Enugu State after police operatives launched a swift pursuit of armed hoodlums who allegedly carjacked a Lexus RX350 and abducted its occupants.

The dramatic rescue followed credible intelligence received by operatives of the Anti Cultism Sub Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit at about 1:30am on August 18, 2026, while the team was conducting crime prevention patrols along the Port Harcourt Expressway.

The victims had reportedly been abducted by armed men within Independence Layout, Enugu, prompting the police to immediately launch a hot pursuit.

The chase continued to Hillview Road, Independence Layout, where the suspects, apparently sensing that they were being cornered, abandoned the Lexus and fled into the surrounding area.

They also left behind firearms and other items believed to have been used during the operation.

The three victims were rescued safely with the assistance of members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and other law abiding residents who supported the police operation.

Among the items recovered were the Lexus RX350, a locally fabricated Beretta like pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm ammunition, a locally made cut to size firearm, an additional live cartridge, a pair of hand gloves, a ski mask and a mobile phone.

The suspects, however, escaped before the arrival of the operatives, prompting the police to launch a manhunt to identify and apprehend them.

The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the police operatives, Neighbourhood Watch members and vigilant residents for their swift response and cooperation.

The Command said the operation underscores the importance of intelligence sharing and community participation in tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other violent crimes.

The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities that could assist security agencies in preventing crime.