Nigerian Army troops conducted a series of successful security operations across Imo, Cross River, and Enugu states on Friday and Saturday, rescuing four victims, apprehending six suspects, and recovering cash and operational items linked to kidnapping and criminal activities. The operations, carried out under Operation UDO KA by 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, were based on credible intelligence and targeted known criminal hideouts and active crime scenes.
In Imo State, soldiers from the 34 Artillery Brigade, stationed at Forward Operating Base Izombe, collaborated with local security forces to rescue three kidnapped individuals along the Oguta–Owerri road in Oguta Local Government Area. Troops tracked the abductors to their hideout in the Okohia Umueju forest, where they discovered four victims in captivity. During the rescue, one victim was killed by the kidnappers while attempting to escape. The military engaged the criminals, forcing them to flee in disarray and abandon the remaining hostages.
Among the recovered items were N987,500 in cash, believed to be ransom proceeds, along with five mobile phones and two power banks. The operation underscored the Army’s swift response to kidnapping threats in the region and its ability to dismantle criminal networks operating in remote areas.
In Cross River State, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt at an election venue in Yakurr Local Government Area, rescuing an INEC official who had been abducted during a political party primary election. Two groups of suspected kidnappers stormed the venue at a hotel in Ekori. One group, using a Toyota Corolla with registration number ABJ 810HL, abducted the Returning Officer and forced him to transfer N70,000. The second group, riding motorcycles, stole ballot boxes. Military forces swiftly mobilized, intercepted the vehicle, and rescued the official, arresting three suspects in the process.
One armed suspect escaped into the bush carrying a bag with a mobile phone, ATM card, and election materials, while the second group fled with the ballot boxes. The rescued official, arrested suspects, and the recovered vehicle remain in military custody, with ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals.
In Enugu State, under Operation Eastern Sanity II, troops raided a house in Achi Town, Oji River Local Government Area, following intelligence that it was being used by cultists. The raid yielded eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder. Three suspects were arrested — an 85-year-old man and two women aged 26 and 29 — and are currently in custody.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to maintaining security in the South-East and surrounding areas by continuing to conduct intelligence-driven operations against kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities. These coordinated efforts reflect the military’s determination to restore peace and protect civilians across the region.
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