Troops of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, have rescued four kidnapped victims in Enugu State and arrested a suspected member of a criminal network in Ebonyi State.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement.
He noted that the military has sustained operational momentum in the South-East under Operation EASTERN SANITY.
According to Ayeni, troops of the 82 Division Garrison stationed at Akama in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State acted on credible intelligence about a kidnap attempt along the Akama–Iwollo Road.
The troops swiftly pursued and engaged the criminals, successfully rescuing four abducted individuals.
The victims were identified as Chisom Kingsley and Chuoke Chinedu, both from Akama; Jonathan Paul Chukwu from Akwa Ibom State; and Patience John from Taraba State.
A motorcycle and a vehicle were also recovered during the operation and handed over, alongside the victims, to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.
Follow up operation
In a related development, Ayeni said troops carried out a follow-up operation in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State based on intelligence obtained from the earlier arrest of a suspected insurgent commander, Chinedu Igautu, also known as “Calamity,” and his associates.
The operation led to the arrest of another suspected member of the IPOB/ESN criminal network, Chisom Agashi Ogadego, also known as “Baron.”
He said preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was involved in kidnapping activities within the state.
Ayeni added that the suspect provided useful intelligence that led to further operational gains, including the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition from a location within Izzi Local Government Area.
He said the coordinated operations highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across the South-East.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to support security agencies with timely and credible information to sustain ongoing successes against criminal elements.
