In a daring and successful operation, the Neighborhood Watch personnel of Uzo Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State, led by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Ezugwu, foiled a major kidnap attempt in Awuzi village, Ogba Nkpologu, rescuing a female victim and arresting three suspects.
The early-morning operation, which took place between 2:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, saw the rescue of Mrs. Grace Dieke, a well-known operator of a local drinking joint, who had been abducted and taken into the nearby bush by her captors.
According to an official statement from the Senior Special Assistant on Communication & Strategy, Solomon Gwiyi, the kidnappers were swiftly pursued by a tactical team of local security operatives led personally by Chairman Ezugwu. The team tracked the suspects to their hideout in Ugwu-Ugbene, where they rescued the victim and arrested three of the four suspects.
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Eze Tochukwu, from Umukpaka village, Ugbene Ajima
- Enejere Tochukwu, from Egburu Ugbene village, Ugbene Ajima
- Jude Ezugwu, from Amaezike Nkpologu
All suspects hail from Uzo Uwani LGA. However, the alleged ringleader, Ebuka Ngana, also known as “Mostcabel” from Amaezike Nkpologu, remains at large, with efforts ongoing to apprehend him.
The suspects have been handed over to the Ukpabi Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.
Describing the incident as a major breakthrough, the Council noted that it reflects the unwavering commitment of Hon. Chijioke Ezugwu’s administration to rid the area of criminal elements and restore public confidence in grassroots security.
"This is to us, a very significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and banditry in the local council by the Chijioke Ezugwu-led administration. And this further demonstrates the Chairman's readiness to flush out criminals from the LGA," the statement read.
The operation has sparked renewed calls for community support to sustain local efforts against rising insecurity.
