By Kamsi Anayo, Aka
At least 30 kidnappers—members of the dreaded “Auto Pilot” have been gunned down in violent confrontations with security operatives throughout Enugu over the past two weeks.
The Auto Pilot are a breakaway faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to wanted Finland based separatist, Simon Ekpa,
A police detective and also a Police Superintendent, Onochie Ezeh who confirmed the incident, revealed that the kidnappers have for long been terrorizing Enugu and its surroundings
He said that in all, the police in Enugu under an elite squad have neutralized 30 of the criminals terrorizing the state.
“”At dawn on Wednesday, I, leading a daring joint security operation on Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Road, detailed the dramatic raid that resulted in the annihilation of a seven-man kidnapping gang in Ogbeke Nike.
“It was in a sprawling poultry farm, transformed into a grim prison for their hostages, that these monsters were confronted.
“This operation is part of our unwavering campaign to eradicate criminal elements plaguing not just Enugu, but neighboring states as well,” Ezeh said.
“For over three months, we have been closing in on these kidnappers, tracking their sinister activities in this area. They abducted victims and locked them away in that poultry farm until their insatiable ransom demands were met.
“Upon sighting the approaching law enforcement, the gang opened fire, but with unwavering determination and superior firepower, the operatives struck back, overpowering the forces of darkness.”
Ezeh commended Gov.
Peter Mbah, for assembling a formidable task force—an elite squad designed to combat kidnappings and the nefarious actions of gunmen.
“We have achieved significant victories over the past months. Our mission is not to parade our successes for media glory but to ensure every resident can live freely and peacefully.
“We’ve already dismantled over seven criminal gangs. The governor is aware: we will not return home until we have purged this land of every last threat.
“The task force has identified numerous hideouts across Enugu, including notorious areas such as New Artisan Market and Akwuke, where the vile concoction of greed and malice breeds.
“During our operations, we have neutralized over 30 kidnappers, seizing firearms and stolen goods,” Ezeh added.
Reacting, Enugu residents have raised concern urging the governor to take bold action: and demolish the properties serving as their hideouts we.
They argue that such decisive measures would send a clear message to would-be offenders, instilling fear where once there was impunity.
They implore Gov. Mbah not only to pursue the criminals but also to use is political will as the chief security officer to demolish the sinister structures once and for all.
They noted that the state is equipped with legal provisions empowering the demolition of buildings used for the nefarious transport of victims, whether they be hotels or private estates.
Chief Ani Iheanacho said: “We cannot continue to allow this scourge to thrive. The governor must summon both political and legal fortitude to destroy these properties, regardless of ownership.
“This is not just a fight against crime; it’s about delivering justice to victims and their families—a necessity for the moral fabric of our society.”
Dr. Kate Pamela, one of the lucky few who escaped the clutches of her captors said:
“Every time I pass that poultry, I feel like justice is slipping away.
“They held us captive for five torturous days, and when our families could not meet their outrageous ransom demands, two of our companions were brutally murdered. “
