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  • Enugu records N406.77bn IGR in 2025, cites reform gains

    Enugu records N406.77bn IGR in 2025, cites reform gains

    Enugu State generated a total of N406.77 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2025, a development attributed to the economic and governance reforms introduced by the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.

    The figure was disclosed on Sunday by the Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ENSIRS), Mr. Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, during a press conference.

    He said the amount represents about 80 percent of the N509.9 billion revenue projection in the 2025 Appropriation Law and reflects a 125 per cent increase from the N180.5 billion generated in 2024.

    Nnamani said the performance highlights the administration’s efforts to build a financially independent and economically sustainable state capable of funding key development projects without heavy reliance on federal allocations.

    He noted that upon assumption of office in May 2023, Governor Mbah pledged to transform the state’s IGR profile to support his development agenda.

    According to him, the state’s revenue trajectory has shown consistent growth in recent years. He said Enugu generated N26.8 billion in 2022, comprising N16.2 billion in tax revenue and N10.6 billion in non-tax revenue.

    He added that after restructuring the revenue system, the state’s IGR rose to N37.4 billion in 2023, made up of N22.9 billion in tax revenue and N14.5 billion in non-tax revenue, marking the first phase of the reform-driven expansion.

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    The revenue performance accelerated in 2024, when the state generated N180.5 billion. The figure was largely driven by N150 billion from non-tax sources and N30 billion from tax revenue, indicating a shift toward asset optimisation and improved resource recovery.

    “Consequently, it is my pleasure to inform you that the Governor Peter Mbah administration has been able to further scale up the IGR, as Enugu State collected a total IGR of N406.77 billion in 2025, representing 80 per cent budget performance and a 125 per cent growth from the 2024 figure,” he said.

    By 2025, the state consolidated its fiscal strategy, generating N406.77 billion, with non-tax revenue accounting for N355.2 billion or 87.4 per cent, while tax revenue stood at N51.5 billion, representing 12.6 per cent.

    Nnamani attributed the surge largely to the recovery, revitalisation, and optimisation of state-owned assets that were previously dormant, alongside improved revenue tracking mechanisms.

    “Out of the N406.7 billion IGR, tax revenue is N51.5 billion while non-tax revenue is N355.2 billion. Most of the non-tax revenue is driven by recovery, revitalisation and optimisation of state assets that were previously moribund,” he explained.

    The administration also recorded strong growth in tax revenue performance, with collections rising from N30 billion in 2024 to N51.5 billion in 2025, representing a 72 per cent year-on-year increase.

    According to the ENSIRS chief, the steady tax growth reflects improved compliance levels, strengthened enforcement of existing tax laws, and increased public confidence in government spending.

    He also linked improved tax compliance to visible infrastructure and social sector investments across the state, including Smart Green Schools, Primary Healthcare Centres, transport infrastructure, and major economic projects.

    “What we have done is to plug leakages in revenue collection and introduce technology to ensure traceability, accountability, and transparency. People are now encouraged to pay their taxes because they can see the transformation going on across sectors in Enugu State,” he added.

    Looking ahead, the state has projected an ambitious N870 billion IGR target for 2026, with plans to implement pro-citizen tax reforms while expanding alternative revenue sources.

    Nnamani further commended residents and businesses for supporting the administration’s economic reforms, assuring that transparency and accountability would remain central to revenue management and public spending.

  • $1bn integrated poultry project to begin in Enugu, Kaduna, Oyo

    $1bn integrated poultry project to begin in Enugu, Kaduna, Oyo

    The Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has said the $1 billion National Integrated Poultry Project pilot phase is set to commence.

    Tegbe said Enugu, Kaduna and Oyo states have been selected for the pilot phase, noting that the project would be expanded to states in other geopolitical zones next year.

    He disclosed this on Saturday while speaking at the Chinese New Year Temple Fair and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China. The 2026 Chinese New Year marks the Year of the Horse.

    According to him, when completed, “the project will deliver a combined output of six million eggs daily, house over seven million laying birds and more than two million broilers, and cultivate over 60,000 hectares of maize and soybeans.”

    He added that beyond feedstock for the farms, the initiative would also support existing farmers through subsidised feedstock.

    “Beyond feedstock for the farms, this initiative will support existing farmers through subsidized feedstock. This project is not merely about food security, it is about jobs, dignity, and opportunity for Nigerians,” he said. 

    Tegbe who also highlighted China-Nigeria collaboration on steel production said with the revitalization of the Ajaokuta, the country would be expecting an output  of 10 million metric tonnes per annum.

    According to him, “The revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Complex marks another inspiring chapter in our partnership. Long a symbol of unrealized potential, Ajaokuta is now poised for renewal through collaboration with China. With an expected output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum, a revitalized Ajaokuta will transform Nigeria’s economic trajectory, powering industries, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria as a leading manufacturing and innovation hub in Africa.”

    He stressed that the government is determined to ensure the country recorded tangible progress that signals the dawn of a new industrial era.

    In the area of Knowledge Exchange and Educational Partnerships, Tegbe said  it has “continued to open doors for Nigerian students to learn from Chinese institutions, while welcoming Chinese scholars to Nigeria. These exchanges are building enduring bridges of knowledge and mutual understanding. In the year ahead, we seek to deepen cooperation through increased scholarships, joint research, and shared innovation, culminating in the development of new industrial parks that will serve as hubs for manufacturing, technology, and shared expertise.”

    He noted that for the initiatives to be successful,  they must deliver tangible benefits to the people of both countries. 

    He added, “We welcome Chinese businesses to Nigeria and encourage partnerships that prioritize capacity building, skills transfer, and shared growth. In return, Nigerians will continue to offer a welcoming environment rooted in hospitality, trust, and mutual respect.”

    On the celebration, he urged the people to embrace the spirit of the horse-strong, dignified and always moving forward.

    In his opening remarks, China Chargé d’Affaires, Zhou Hongyou said the fair provides the opportunity for both countries to carry on forward the traditional friendship between both countries for the purpose to advance modernisation.

    He further stated, “We will work together with the Nigerian side to organize a wide range of exchange activities, and we look forward to your continued strong support and active participation.”

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    Explaining the celebration, Zhou said, “The year 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes hard work, perseverance, unity and innovation. The horse also features prominently on the Coat of Arms of Nigeria, symbolizing strength, resilience and forward momentum. These qualities are precisely the defining characteristics of China–Nigeria relations over the past 55 years. Standing at this new historical starting point of the 55th anniversary, we look forward to working with friends from all sectors in Nigeria to build a high-level community with a shared future, further deepen political mutual trust and mutual support, further explore the potential for cooperation in trade and investment, and enhance exchanges and cooperation in the field of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so that the friendship between our two countries will be passed down from generation to generation and the fruits of cooperation will benefit our two peoples even more.”

    Yang Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria said the double celebration stands as an important signals of friendship between both countries.

    “I think it is a very important signal of friendship and mutual trust between our two countries,” Yang said.

    He said both countries have shown trust and have stood by each other in the past 55 years.

    He stressed that the mutually beneficial cooperation “has been benefiting our two countries’ development. And of course, not only Chinese people. We have to do our best to benefit our very friends, most friendly friends, Nigerian people.”

    He said like Nigeria, the Chinese value family.

    According to him, “I think the value is very similar to the Nigerian people.”

    The guests were entertained with  high-level martial arts performances presented by the Chinese Wushu Association, as well as singing and dancing by Chinese and Nigerian artists. There was also on display authentic Chinese cuisine, tea ceremony, calligraphy and traditional Chinese medicine.

    The guests also visited the photo exhibition on Chinese Spring Festival culture and tourism. 

  • Joint security team neutralises kidnap suspect, rescues victim in Enugu

    Joint security team neutralises kidnap suspect, rescues victim in Enugu

    Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in a joint operation with the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch Group and local vigilantes, have neutralised a kidnapping suspect and rescued an abducted victim in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

    The operation followed a distress report received in the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2026, that a male victim had been kidnapped by armed men in Ezimo-Uno community.

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    Acting swiftly on the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered the immediate mobilisation of security operatives to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim.

    The coordinated operation led the joint team to the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest areas, where the suspects were reportedly hiding.

    According to the police, the kidnappers opened fire on the operatives on sight, prompting a gun duel during which one of the suspects was neutralised, while others escaped into the forest areas bordering Benue State with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

    The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt.

    Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition, an extra magazine, two daggers, military camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, assorted food items, cooking utensils and a freshly slaughtered chicken.

  • Enugu police arrest 52 suspects, rescue victims in one week

    Enugu police arrest 52 suspects, rescue victims in one week

    The Enugu Police Command has arrested no fewer than 52 suspects, recovered firearms and ammunition and rescued kidnapped victims between January 24 and 30, 2026.

    This was contained in the weekly crime statistics and operational achievements of the Command on Friday, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe .

    According to the report, operatives of the Command arrested three armed robbery suspects, 12 kidnapping suspects, and three homicide or murder suspects during the period under review. 

    The police also apprehended two suspects linked to rape and defilement cases, as well as four suspected cultists, while 28 other suspects were arrested for various offences across the state .

    The statistics further revealed that the command recovered one firearm and 20 rounds of ammunition of different calibres, alongside six stolen vehicles. 

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    In addition, three victims were successfully rescued from criminal hideouts during sustained intelligence-led operations .

    Other exhibits recovered included hard drugs and a large quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, underscoring the command’s intensified clampdown on drug-related crimes within the state .

    SP Ndukwe attributed the achievements to the dedication of police personnel, improved intelligence gathering, and effective collaboration with other security agencies and members of the public. 

    He reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining the fight against crime and maintaining public safety across Enugu State.

    Ndukwe further urged citizens to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance proactive policing and rapid response to criminal activities.

  • Joint security team neutralises kidnap suspect, rescues victim in Enugu

    Joint security team neutralises kidnap suspect, rescues victim in Enugu

    Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, in a joint operation with the Nigerian Army, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch Group, and local vigilantes, have neutralised a kidnapping suspect and rescued an abducted victim in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

    The operation followed a distress report received in the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2026, that a male victim had been kidnapped by armed men in the Ezimo-Uno community.

    Acting swiftly on the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered the immediate mobilisation of security operatives to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim.

    The coordinated operation led the joint team to the Agu-Shere and Okpakereke forest areas, where the suspects were reportedly hiding.

    According to the police, the kidnappers opened fire on the operatives on sight, prompting a gun duel during which one of the suspects was neutralised, while others escaped into the forest areas bordering Benue State with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

    The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt.

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    Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition, an extra magazine, two daggers, military camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, assorted food items, cooking utensils, and a freshly slaughtered chicken.

    Police authorities said a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    CP Giwa reassured residents of Enugu State of the unwavering commitment of the police and other security agencies to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

    He urged members of the public, especially health and medical service providers, to promptly report anyone sighted with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or security formation.

    He also called on residents to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance public safety.

  • Enugu slashes land rates by 60%, bans illegal levies

    Enugu slashes land rates by 60%, bans illegal levies

    The Enugu State Government has announced sweeping reforms in the land sector, including the immediate abolition of illegal levies and the streamlining of land-related charges, as part of Governor Peter Mbah’s broader economic transformation agenda.

    The government disclosed that ground rent, land use charge, and all property-related charges have now been unified and reduced by over 60 per cent, with property owners required to pay only a single Unified Land Use Charge annually through the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), whether their properties are located within estates or outside them.

    Governor Peter Mbah made the announcement at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting on land sector development, which held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Thursday.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Governor said his administration remained committed to building a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly land administration system anchored on legality, digitisation, and accountability.

    He described land as the legal foundation for housing, infrastructure, agriculture, commerce, and investment, stressing that since inception, the administration has pursued deliberate reforms to modernise land governance, reduce uncertainty, curb abuse, and restore public confidence in the land tenure system.

    “These reforms are anchored on transparency, predictability, digitisation of records, and strict adherence to statutory processes for land allocation, registration, and development control,” he said, adding that effective land governance must be driven by continuous engagement with communities, professionals, investors, traditional institutions, and citizens.

    A major highlight of the reforms is the immediate ban on the controversial Ogbonecheagu fees collected by some communities and local governments. Prof. Onyia said Governor Mbah has declared all such fees illegal and directed their outright abolition following widespread complaints by residents.

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    A task force has been constituted to enforce compliance, while members of the public who are compelled to pay such illegal charges have been urged to submit evidence to Whistleblowing@enugustate.gov.ng for prompt intervention.

    The SSG further revealed that the reforms were informed by the recommendations of a multi-stakeholder Committee on Land-Related Revenue and Administration constituted by the Governor to address complaints of multiple taxation and revenue abuse in the state.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barr. Chimaobi Okorie, said Governor Mbah has introduced critical policy directions and legal instruments, including an executive order declaring nine of the state’s seventeen local government areas as urban areas to enable planning and structured infrastructural development.

    He also said that the Mbah Administration enacted the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS) law to serve as a one-stop platform for land transactions and to drive the full digitisation and digitalization of land processes and systems. According to him, land records are now fully harmonised, eliminating cases of missing files, while every plot of land in the state can be digitally tracked.

  • Enugu rallies town unions for peace, grassroots governance

    Enugu rallies town unions for peace, grassroots governance

    The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed the strategic importance of town unions in grassroots governance, describing them as indispensable partners in community administration, peacebuilding and sustainable local development.

    The government also charged Presidents-General of town unions across the state to promote peace in their communities and resist any attempt to use their offices to foment discord or destabilisation.

    The charge was given by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, during his maiden official meeting with town union Presidents-General at the ministry in Enugu on Wednesday.

    Egumgbe, whose portfolio includes oversight of town unions, said Governor Peter Mbah had mandated the ministry to strengthen traditional and community governance structures in line with the administration’s development agenda.

    He explained that the core responsibilities of the ministry include the formulation and implementation of policies on chieftaincy matters, the creation of autonomous communities, village integration, and the establishment and supervision of palace courts for effective dispute resolution.

    Other functions, he said, cover the registration and regulation of chieftaincy constitutions, town unions, social clubs and community-based organisations, as well as policies aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and improving community governance.

    According to the commissioner, town unions remain central to infrastructure development, social stability and effective grassroots administration across the state.

    “There is a need to partner with Governor Peter Mbah, whose political philosophy and governance style have become a visible game-changer in Enugu State. No sector of development is paused,” he said.

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    Egumgbe described town unions as critical agents of community development, noting that they serve as grassroots administrative and self-regulating structures that promote infrastructure such as roads and schools, maintain social harmony and function effectively as a fourth tier of governance.

    He, however, stressed that town union leaders must take responsibility for peace and order in their communities, lamenting the volume of petitions received by the ministry over avoidable communal conflicts.

    The commissioner frowned at attempts by some individuals to hijack community leadership without due process or proper stakeholder engagement.

    “Presidents-General must ensure peace and tranquillity in their communities. It is time to do the right thing and uphold responsible leadership,” he added, while assuring town unions that the state government would give due consideration to their welfare.

    Responding on behalf of the town unions, the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Presidents-General of Town Unions, Hon. Chief Arinze Nnia Ogbodo, commended Governor Mbah for what he described as visible and far-reaching development across the state.

    Ogbodo said the engagement had strengthened the confidence of town union leaders in the ministry and pledged their continued support for the administration’s development agenda.

    “This engagement is very important to us. With the new commissioner overseeing the ministry that relates directly with town unions, our confidence has been reinforced. We will continue to support His Excellency to achieve his vision for the people of Enugu State,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Presidents-General of Ikpamodo Autonomous Community in Igbo-Eze North LGA, Mr. Christian Ugwuanyi; Okorouba-Ozalla Autonomous Community in Nkanu West LGA, Hon. Chukwunonso Igwe; and Mgbagbu Owa in Ezeagu LGA, Ozo Chibuike Okafor, pledged their support for the commissioner and the Mbah administration.

    They praised the governor’s inclusive development approach, noting that key initiatives such as Smart Green Schools and modern healthcare centres were having positive impact across communities and electoral wards in the state.

  • FG signs concession agreement for Enugu airport

    FG signs concession agreement for Enugu airport

    The federal government has signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as part of measures to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.

    The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Abuja, where the Minister, Festus Keyamo received a combined delegation of Enugu State Government officials and representatives of the concessionaire, Aero Alliance.

    The Enugu State delegation was led by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, while the Aero Alliance team included Engr. Chuks Aniekwe, Barr. Oyiwodu Okibe-Oga, Onyedikachi Nwachukwu, Kester Enwereonu, and Barr. Michael Nwaechie of Ivy Solicitors.

    The Minister in a statememt on Friday by his Media Aide, Tunde Moshood, described the event as the conclusion of a painstaking and transparent process that began several years ago.

    He said: “Today is the end of a very long and tedious process regarding the concession of the Enugu Airport. The process culminated on the 31st of July, 2025, when the Federal Executive Council approved the proposal to concession the Enugu Airport, subject of course to contract”.

    Keyamo explained that following the Federal Executive Council’s approval, the Ministry, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Aero Alliance engaged in extensive negotiations, including consultations with aviation unions, to ensure that workers’ welfare remained a top priority.

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    “We did these agreements with the rights and privileges of workers uppermost in our minds. Let me say today that we have fully respected and preserved the rights of aviation workers. They have not been retrenched, their terms and conditions of employment have not changed in any way, and they remain workers of the Federal Government and FAAN.

    “The workers have not been short-changed in any way at all. Their jobs are safe and protected. Having taken care of the rights of workers, we then addressed other critical issues and virtually covered all areas before the signing of this agreement”.

    The Minister however noted that while the main concession agreement has been concluded, security charges and the financial model for airport operations will be resolved in the coming weeks to ensure smooth implementation.

    “There are two little issues after signing, in terms of operationalizing the agreement, regarding security fees and the financial model of the airport. These will be resolved in the next few weeks. But as far as the main concession is concerned, we have agreed to concession the Enugu Airport to Aero Alliance today”.

    The Minister expressed hope that the agreement will reposition the Enugu Airport for efficiency, improved service delivery, and enhanced passenger experience.

  • Enugu recovers N1.28b from Sujimoto, vows to get balance

    Enugu recovers N1.28b from Sujimoto, vows to get balance

    The Enugu State government has said it had recovered N1.27 billion from the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Mr. Olasijibomi Ogundele.

    This followed investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the alleged diversion of funds meant for the construction of Smart Green Schools in the state.

    The recovered sum, which was a part of the money paid to the company for projects that were ostensibly abandoned or substantially unexecuted, was formally handed over to the state government yesterday at the EFCC Enugu Zonal Office through a series of bank drafts and cheques.

    Presenting the cheques, the EFCC Zonal Director in Enugu, Daniel Ise, said the recovery was in line with the agency’s statutory mandate to trace, recover, and restitute public funds lost through economic and financial crimes.

    The zonal director announced that the recovery followed a petition submitted by the Enugu State Government, which prompted the Commission to commence investigations.

    “As of today, we have been able to recover drafts to the tune of N1,234,350,000 and an additional N50,000,000, bringing the total to N1,284,350,000 for the benefit of the Enugu State government,” Ise said.

    The zonal director attributed the progress made by the commission in its investigations to the diligence and professionalism of the officers handling the case.

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    He stressed that the handover did not mark the end of the investigation, assuring that the EFCC would continue to examine all aspects of the petition to ensure that every kobo unaccounted for is traced and recovered.

    According to him, where evidence of criminality is established, the EFCC will proceed with prosecution, in line with the law.

    “This does not mark the end of the case. We will look at every facet of the petition to ensure that every kobo belonging to the Enugu State Government that is not accounted for is tracked and recovered,” he said.

    Ise urged contractors to adhere strictly to extant laws, particularly the Procurement Act.

    The EFCC also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with governments at all levels to safeguard public resources, warning that accountability in the execution of public contracts remained non-negotiable.

    Receiving the cheques and drafts on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, expressed appreciation to the EFCC for what he called its professionalism, focus, and resilience, despite “distractions and noise in the public space” surrounding the matter.

    Onyia said the recovery underscored the Enugu State administration’s commitment to transparency, traceability, and accountability, principles he said are central to the governance philosophy of Governor Peter Mbah.

    The SSG assured the residents that the recovered funds would be reinvested in infrastructure projects to improve the quality of life of the people of the state.

    “When there was a misalignment between our intent to use taxpayers’ money for development and what we saw in terms of delivery, we approached the EFCC to help us recover the funds,” he said.

    “Today marks the beginning of that recovery process, and we are pleased with the outcome so far.”

    Onyia announced that the state government had instituted legal action against the contractor and petitioned the EFCC, allowing due process to run its full course to avoid complications or future litigation.

    The SSG said investigations were still ongoing, as he declined to pre-empt their outcome.

    He reiterated the government’s resolve to hold all contractors accountable for projects awarded to them.

    Onyia added that any contractor who fails to deliver value for public funds would face appropriate legal consequences based on the advice of the state’s legal authorities.

  • Police foil kidnap attempt, neutralise suspect in Enugu

    Police foil kidnap attempt, neutralise suspect in Enugu

    The Enugu Police Command has recorded major operational successes in crackdown on violent crimes and organised robbery across the State with the foiling of a kidnapping attempt in Adani, Uzo-Uwani LGA and the arrest and prosecution of four suspected “one-chance” robbers in Enugu metropolis.

    Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, attached to the Adani Division and working jointly with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, foiled a kidnapping attempt in the early hours of Sunday, January 18, 2026, along the Ngene-Ukwu axis of the Adani–Nsukka Road.

    The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. following an intense gun duel between the joint security team and armed kidnapping suspects.

    During the exchange, one of the suspects was neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered.

    Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into a nearby forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had emerged from a bush along the road with the intention of abducting occupants of a vehicle plying the route before they were intercepted by security operatives.

    Efforts have since been intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the entire criminal network.

    Residents of the area, particularly healthcare providers, have been urged to promptly report anyone presenting with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station or security formation.

    In a related development, operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Squad arrested four suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate operating within Abakpa-Nike and other parts of Enugu metropolis.

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    The suspects, identified as Ndubuisi Achioko (62), Nnaji Okeh (55), Nwobodo Dennis (57), and Chinedu Idam (36), were apprehended on January 10, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m. while allegedly prowling for unsuspecting victims with a tricycle, which was recovered during the operation. All suspects are residents of Abakpa-Nike.

    Police said the suspects confessed during interrogation to being part of a larger robbery syndicate operating from the Abakpa-Nike axis.

    They have since been arraigned before a competent court and remanded in correctional custody, while a manhunt has been launched for other fleeing members of the gang.

    Commending the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives involved in both operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding Enugu State of kidnapping, “one-chance” robbery, and other violent crimes.

    He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established police emergency channels.