The Nigerian Army has recorded significant operational successes across Imo, Enugu, and Cross River states, rescuing victims, apprehending suspects, and recovering cash and other items linked to criminal activities.
According to an operational update released by the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East under Operation UDO KA, the coordinated missions were carried out between Friday and Saturday following credible intelligence on kidnapping and related crimes.
In Imo State, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Izombe, working alongside a local security outfit, conducted a rescue operation along the Oguta–Owerri road in Oguta Local Government Area.
The troops traced the kidnappers to a hideout in the Okohia Umueju forest, where four victims were being held captive.
Three victims were successfully rescued, while one was reportedly killed by the abductors during an attempted escape.
The criminals fled the scene after a confrontation with troops, abandoning their captives. Recovered items included ₦987,500 suspected to be ransom proceeds, five mobile phones, and two power banks.
In Cross River State, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt at a political party primary election venue in Yakurr Local Government Area.
The incident occurred at a hotel in Ekori, where armed groups disrupted the process.
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One group, operating in a Toyota Corolla, abducted an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer and forced the victim to transfer ₦70,000. Another group reportedly fled with ballot boxes using motorcycles.
Swift military response led to the interception of the vehicle, rescue of the INEC official, and arrest of three suspects.
However, one armed suspect escaped with a bag containing a mobile phone, ATM card, and election materials, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.
Meanwhile, in Enugu State, troops under Operation Eastern Sanity II carried out a raid in Achi Town, Oji River Local Government Area, targeting a location suspected to be a cultist hideout.
The operation resulted in the recovery of eight motorcycles and two containers of locally made gunpowder.
Three suspects were arrested during the raid, including an 85-year-old man and two women aged 26 and 29.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements, particularly kidnappers and cult groups, across the South-East and surrounding regions.
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