By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation UDO KA have sustained offensive operations in the South-East, rescuing four kidnap victims and arresting a suspected member of an IPOB/ESN criminal network in coordinated operations across Enugu and Ebonyi States.
The operations, conducted under the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, as well as a vehicle and a motorcycle used by the suspects.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Olalekan Ayeni, troops acting on credible intelligence responded to a kidnap attempt along the Akama–Iwollo Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to the statement, troops of the 82 Division Garrison deployed at Akama swiftly engaged the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon their victims and flee.
“The troops pursued and engaged the criminals, successfully rescuing four abducted individuals,” the statement said.
The rescued victims were identified as Chisom Kingsley and Chuoke Chinedu from Akama, Enugu State; Jonathan Paul Chukwu from Akwa Ibom State; and Patience John from Taraba State.
The Army disclosed that the recovered vehicle and motorcycle, along with the rescued victims, were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
In a related operation in Ebonyi State, troops acting on follow-up intelligence from the earlier arrest of a notorious insurgent commander, Chinedu Igautu, alias “Calamity,” conducted a targeted raid in Izzi Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of another suspected key member of the criminal network, identified as Chisom Agashi Ogadego, also known as “Baron.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had been actively involved in kidnapping operations within the state.
“The suspect provided useful information that enabled further operational gains, including the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition,” the statement added.
The Army noted that the successes recorded highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring security in the South-East.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information.
Troops rescue 4 kidnap victims, arrest IPOB/ESN suspect in South-East operations
