Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, with support from members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and local residents, have rescued three victims abducted during a carjacking incident in Independence Layout, Enugu.

The operation also led to the recovery of the victims’ Lexus RX350 SUV, two locally made firearms, ammunition and other items allegedly abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Daniel Ndukwe, the incident occurred in the early hours of August 18, 2026, after police operatives received credible intelligence about the carjacking and abduction while on crime-prevention patrol along the Port Harcourt Expressway.

The suspects were said to have attacked the occupants of the Lexus RX350 within the Independence Layout area before fleeing with the victims.

Following the distress information, operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit immediately launched a pursuit of the suspected kidnappers.

The chase reportedly continued to Hillview Road in Independence Layout, where the suspects abandoned the Lexus and firearms before fleeing into the surrounding area.

The three victims were subsequently rescued unharmed with assistance from members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group and other residents who responded to the operation.

A search of the abandoned vehicle and surrounding area led to the recovery of a locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The police also recovered a locally made cut-to-size firearm, one live cartridge, a pair of hand gloves, a ski mask and a mobile phone allegedly abandoned by the suspects.

The recovered Lexus SUV was also secured by the police as investigations continued.

The Enugu State Police Command said it has intensified investigations and launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

Police authorities said the investigation is aimed at identifying and arresting those responsible, recovering additional exhibits and determining their possible involvement in other criminal activities.

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

The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led and community-supported operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other violent crimes, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.