Army rescues victims, apprehends suspects in Imo, Enugu, Cross River operations
Nigerian Army Conducts Security Operations in Southeast
ABUJA — Nigerian Army troops conducted a series of security operations on Friday and Saturday, resulting in the rescue of four individuals, the apprehension of six suspects, and the recovery of cash and operational items across Imo, Cross River, and Enugu states.
According to an operational update from the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, known as Operation UDO KA, these operations were carried out in response to credible intelligence regarding kidnapping and other criminal activities.
In Imo State, the troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with a local security organization, rescued three kidnapping victims along the Oguta–Owerri road in the Oguta Local Government Area. The report detailed how the troops tracked the kidnappers to a hideout in the Okohia Umueju forest. While three victims were saved, one succumbed during an escape attempt amid the confrontation.
Troops engaged with the criminals, prompting them to flee and abandon the victims. Authorities recovered N987,500 in cash, believed to be ransom proceeds, alongside five mobile phones and two power banks.
In Cross River State, the army thwarted a kidnapping incident at an election venue in Yakurr Local Government Area, successfully rescuing an abducted official from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The report indicated that two groups of suspected kidnappers arrived at the venue, which was located at a hotel in Ekori, during a political party primary election. One group, operating a Toyota Corolla, abducted the INEC Returning Officer and forced the victim to transfer N70,000, while another group fled with ballot boxes.
Troops responded rapidly, intercepting the vehicle and rescuing the victim while arresting three suspects. One armed suspect escaped into nearby bushland with a bag containing a mobile phone, an ATM card, and election materials, while the group that took the ballot boxes evaded capture.
Both the rescued official and the arrested suspects are now in military custody, with efforts continuing to locate the remaining kidnappers.
In Enugu State, as part of Operation Eastern Sanity II, troops raided a location in Achi Town within the Oji River Local Government Area based on intelligence indicating it was used by cultists. This operation led to the seizure of eight motorcycles and two buckets filled with homemade gunpowder. Three individuals were arrested, including an 85-year-old man and two women aged 26 and 29.
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its dedication to ongoing operations aimed at combating kidnapping and other criminal activities in the southeastern region and surrounding areas.
