Swift pursuit forces suspected kidnappers to abandon a Lexus RX350 and two firearms in Independence Layout, Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, announced the rescue of three abducted victims in Independence Layout, Enugu, after a swift pursuit of suspected kidnappers led to the recovery of their Lexus RX350, two locally made firearms and ammunition.

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The operation was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit, with support from members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and local residents.

The victims were rescued unharmed after the suspects abandoned the vehicle and weapons and fled.

The Enugu Police Rescue Three operation began after credible intelligence was received at about 1:30 a.m. on August 18 while police personnel were conducting crime-prevention patrols along the Port Harcourt Expressway.

According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Daniel Ndukwe, the intelligence concerned the carjacking and abduction of occupants of a Lexus RX350 by armed hoodlums in the Independence Layout area.

The operatives immediately launched a pursuit that continued to Hillview Road, also within Independence Layout. On reaching the area, the suspects abandoned the Lexus and their firearms before escaping.

Ndukwe said the three victims were subsequently rescued with assistance from the Neighbourhood Watch Group and other law-abiding residents.

“Acting swiftly, the operatives commenced a hot pursuit of the suspects, which continued to Hillview Road, Independence Layout.

On reaching the area, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and their firearms before fleeing the scene,” he said. (The Guardian Nigeria)

Police recovered the victims’ Lexus RX350, a locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a locally made cut-to-size firearm and one additional live cartridge.

Other items recovered included a pair of hand gloves, a ski mask and a mobile phone, which police said were abandoned by the fleeing suspects. (theeasterner.com)

The command has since intensified investigations and launched a manhunt for the suspects.

Detectives are working to identify those involved, recover additional exhibits and determine whether the group may be connected to other kidnapping, carjacking or violent crime cases in the state.

The incident has also highlighted the role of community cooperation in responding to violent crime.

The police credited members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and vigilant residents with supporting the operation and helping to move the rescued victims to safety.

Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa commended the police operatives, neighbourhood watch personnel and residents involved in the rescue, describing their response as swift and coordinated.

Giwa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led and community-supported operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other violent crimes.

The latest incident comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Enugu.

Earlier in August, joint security personnel rescued one of three people abducted during an attack on a church in Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area, while efforts continued to locate the remaining two victims. (The Guardian Nigeria)

The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information that could help prevent attacks and support the identification and arrest of suspected criminals.

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For the three victims rescued in Independence Layout, the operation ended with their safe recovery, while the abandoned Lexus and firearms have provided investigators with further leads as the manhunt continues.