Troops under Operation UDO KA have recorded fresh successes in ongoing security efforts across Nigeria’s South-East, rescuing kidnap victims and arresting a suspected member of a criminal network during coordinated operations.
The operations, conducted as part of the broader “Operation Eastern Sanity,” targeted criminal elements in Enugu and Ebonyi states.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lt. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, on Wednesday night.
In Enugu State, troops of the 82 Division Garrison stationed at Akama responded to credible intelligence about a kidnap attempt along the Akama–Iwollo Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
Acting swiftly, the soldiers pursued and engaged the suspected kidnappers, successfully rescuing four abducted individuals.
The rescued 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.
Security forces also recovered a motorcycle and a vehicle believed to have been used in the operation.
The victims and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.
In a separate but related operation in Ebonyi State, troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, carried out a follow-up raid in Izzi Local Government Area based on intelligence obtained from the earlier arrest of a suspected insurgent commander, Chinedu Igautu, also known as “Calamity,” and four associates.
The follow-up operation led to the arrest of another suspect, Chisom Agashi Ogadego, alias “Baron,” who is believed to be a key member of a criminal network linked to IPOB/ESN activities.
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Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was involved in kidnapping operations within the state.
The military said the suspect provided actionable intelligence that enabled troops to recover an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition from a location within the Izzi Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Army described the operations as part of sustained intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore security in the region.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
The latest developments highlight ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and insurgent-related activities in the South-East.
