Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade under Operation UDO KA have rescued a kidnapped victim and intensified security operations across several parts of Abia State in a renewed offensive against criminal gangs and separatist-linked violence.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Mazinho Attah, soldiers from the 145 Battalion, working alongside Operation Crush and the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, carried out an intelligence-driven operation in Umuahia that led to the rescue of Mr. Onyebuchi Nwaoha.
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The Army said the victim had earlier been abducted by armed men. Security operatives also arrested some suspects during the operation, while investigations continue to uncover and dismantle other criminal networks operating within the state.
The military disclosed that the operation was conducted under Operation EASTERN SANITY II, with troops maintaining heavy security presence across major flashpoints and vulnerable communities.
Areas covered include the ABSU–Okigwe–Ihube Road, the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, as well as parts of Umunneochi, Bende, Isiala Ngwa, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia and Arochukwu Local Government Areas.
The Army said the operations are specifically targeted at criminal elements, including IPOB/ESN operatives, while also seeking to curb the illegal use of explosives within the region.
In a separate incident in Aba, troops stationed at Osisioma reportedly responded to a shooting along Brass Street in the GRA area, where they discovered the body of an unidentified man allegedly attacked by gunmen.
Emergency officials later evacuated the corpse as security agencies launched investigations to track down the assailants.
The statement further noted that coordinated night patrols and tactical “stand-to” operations were conducted in strategic communities such as Isiugu, Akanu-Ukwu, Ameakpo, Nguzu, Arochukwu and Bende, with authorities confirming that the affected areas remained calm during the review period.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and stability across the South-East and urged residents to support ongoing security operations by providing credible information on criminal and separatist activities.
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