Police operatives in Enugu State have foiled a suspected kidnapping operation along the Adani–Nsukka Road, killing one alleged member of the gang and recovering an AK-47 rifle after what authorities described as a fierce gun battle on the highway.

The incident occurred at the Ngene-Ukwu axis of the busy Adani–Nsukka corridor, a route that links farming communities in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area with the university town of Nsukka and other parts of Enugu North Senatorial District. The stretch has in recent years gained notoriety for sporadic attacks by armed gangs targeting motorists, traders, and local commuters.

According to police sources, the operation was carried out by officers from the Adani Police Division working in concert with members of a local Neighbourhood Watch Group. The joint team was reportedly on a routine patrol when they received intelligence suggesting that suspected kidnappers were lurking in the bush along the highway, waiting to ambush passing vehicles.

Acting on the tip-off, the operatives moved to the Ngene-Ukwu section of the road, where they took strategic positions. It was there, police said, that they sighted a group of armed men emerging from the surrounding vegetation and attempting to stop a vehicle believed to be their target.

On sighting the security team, the suspects allegedly opened fire, triggering a shootout that sent motorists and passersby scrambling for safety. The exchange of gunfire lasted several minutes, during which one of the suspects was shot and later confirmed dead at the scene.

Spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the officers responded with what he described as “superior firepower,” forcing the remaining members of the gang to retreat into the forest.

He explained that an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered from the neutralised suspect, along with other items believed to have been used in the foiled operation. The identity of the dead suspect has not yet been made public, as investigators are said to be working to trace his background and possible links to other criminal activities in the area.

“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of one of the kidnappers,” the command stated, adding that the others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

The police have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, deploying tactical teams and local intelligence networks to comb the surrounding forests and communities. Security sources say the operation is aimed not only at arresting those who escaped, but also at dismantling any wider criminal network that may be operating along the Adani–Nsukka axis.

“Efforts have been intensified to trace, identify, and arrest the fleeing suspects, as well as dismantle the entire criminal network,” the command said, noting that the operation would continue until the area is fully secured.

As part of the follow-up measures, the police have appealed to residents, community leaders, and healthcare workers in Uzo-Uwani and neighbouring local government areas to be vigilant and to report anyone who appears with unexplained gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries.

“Members of the public, particularly residents and healthcare providers, are urged to promptly report anyone presenting with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries,” the statement added, stressing that such information could be crucial in tracking down the fleeing suspects.

The call reflects a growing reliance on community-based intelligence in the fight against kidnapping and banditry in parts of the South-East, where dense forests and rural road networks have provided cover for criminal gangs. Security analysts note that cooperation between formal security agencies and local vigilante or neighbourhood watch groups has become a key feature of recent operations in the region.

In Enugu State, the Adani–Nsukka Road has been a particular source of concern. Farmers, traders, and transporters have repeatedly complained of attacks by armed men who block the road, shoot sporadically to scare motorists, and then abduct selected passengers for ransom. Some victims have been released after payments, while others have suffered prolonged captivity.

Local residents say the latest police operation may help restore some confidence among road users, but they also stress the need for sustained patrols and visible security presence along the corridor, especially during early morning and late evening hours when traffic is lighter and criminals are more likely to strike.

Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Giwa, commended the officers involved in the operation, praising what he described as their gallantry and professionalism. He said the successful intervention demonstrated the command’s resolve to confront violent crime head-on and to protect law-abiding citizens.

He reiterated that the police, working with other security agencies and community-based groups, remain determined to rid Enugu State of violent criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents, travellers, and businesses.

Security experts say the recovery of an AK-47 rifle is significant, as such weapons are often linked to organised criminal gangs with access to illicit arms markets. Investigators are expected to subject the recovered rifle to ballistic analysis to determine whether it has been used in previous attacks or crimes within or outside the state.