Troops of the Joint Task Force Southeast (JTF SE) under Operation UDO KA have recorded another operational success following a rapid response to a distress call over a suspected kidnapping incident along the 9th Mile axis within the 82 Division in Enugu.
According to a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Saturday, the distress call was received at about 6:55 p.m. on Friday, reporting a suspected attack by elements believed to be affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The attackers were said to have targeted commuters travelling towards Anambra State.
Troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the armed elements with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres.
The prompt and coordinated response forced the assailants to abandon their captives and flee the area.
Five kidnapped travellers were subsequently rescued unharmed, while their vehicle was recovered intact.
In the aftermath of the rescue, troops intensified aggressive patrols and sustained area domination operations to prevent the regrouping of the fleeing suspects.
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Security forces are also conducting follow-up operations aimed at tracking down the perpetrators and denying criminal elements freedom of action within the region.
The Military stated that the proactive response has reinforced public confidence, reassured commuters, and further degraded the operational capabilities of hostile actors operating in the Southeast.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, securing critical lines of communication, and dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across the region.
Members of the public were urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that collective vigilance and cooperation remain vital to achieving lasting peace, stability, and security in the Southeast.
