Over 30 Kidnappers, Biafra Faction Members Neutralized in Enugu

Over 30 kidnappers, including members of the Biafra Auto Pilot, also known as Unknown Gunmen—a notorious breakaway faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)—have been killed in shootouts with security forces across Enugu State in the past two weeks, according to a police detective.

This was revealed in a statement from Governor Peter Mbah’s media office on Wednesday morning, quoting Police Superintendent Onochie Ezeh, who led a joint security operation to rescue kidnap victims along the Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Road.

The operation resulted in the death of a seven-man kidnapping gang that had been using a large poultry farm at Ogbeke Nike to hide their hostages.

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SP Ezeh explained that this operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminals, including kidnappers and unknown gunmen from neighboring states.

“We had been tracking these kidnappers for over three months. They operated in this area, hiding their victims at the poultry farm until ransoms were paid. Acting on a tipoff from the public and information from some victims, we launched an operation.

The kidnappers opened fire when they saw us, but we quickly overpowered them with our superior firepower,” he stated.

The police chief further noted that the combined security task force, set up by Governor Mbah to combat kidnappings and the activities of unknown gunmen, has achieved significant success in securing the state. “This crack squad is dedicated to eliminating all threats in the state.

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Over the past months, we’ve neutralized more than seven criminal gangs, including kidnappers and unknown gunmen. We’re taking the fight to their hideouts as the governor has mandated us to completely rid the state of these threats,” Ezeh added.

He also mentioned that during their operations, several criminal hideouts were identified, including locations in 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. Over 30 kidnappers were neutralized, and weapons and valuables were recovered.

One of the rescued victims, Dr. Kate Pamela, recounted her harrowing experience and expressed her frustration. “Each time I pass by that poultry, I feel a deep sense of injustice knowing it’s still operational.

We were held there for five days, and they killed two victims whose families couldn’t meet the ransom demands. I identified three of the kidnappers when they were killed, but I believe that area should be cleared. The government must ensure justice by turning that place into a landfill,” she said.

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