Troops Rescue 4 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Criminal Network Member in South-East

Troops of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, have rescued four kidnap victims in Enugu State and arrested a member of a criminal network in Ebonyi State.

In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, the military said it has continued to sustain operational momentum in the South-East under the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY.

According to Ayeni, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, troops of the 82 Division Garrison deployed at Akama acted swiftly on credible intelligence regarding a kidnap attempt along the Akama–Iwollo Road.

He explained that the troops 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.

The statement added that a motorcycle and a vehicle were recovered during the operation.

“The rescued victims, along with the recovered motorcycle and vehicle, were handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation,” he said.

In a related operation, Ayeni stated that troops, acting on intelligence derived from the earlier arrest of a notorious insurgent commander, Mr. Chinedu Igautu, also known as “Calamity,” and four of his associates, carried out a follow-up mission.

He said troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, conducted the operation in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leading to the arrest of another key member of the IPOB/ESN criminal network, Mr. Chisom Agashi Ogadego, also known as “Baron.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had been involved in criminal activities, including kidnapping operations within the state.

Ayeni further disclosed that the suspect provided useful information that enabled additional operational gains, including the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition from a location within Izzi Local Government Area.

He noted that these coordinated actions underscore the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding communities across the South-East.

According to him, the Nigerian Army reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

“Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance operational successes against criminal elements,” he added.