Troops of Operation UDO KA, working alongside other security agencies, have rescued four kidnap victims and arrested a suspected member of a criminal network during ongoing security operations in Nigeria’s South-East under Operation Eastern Sanity.
The Nigerian Army, through a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, said the operations were carried out on April 28, 2026, in parts of Enugu State and Ebonyi State.
According to the statement, troops of the 82 Division Garrison stationed at Akama in Ezeagu Local Government Area responded swiftly to credible intelligence on a kidnap attempt along the Akama–Iwollo Road. The troops engaged the suspected kidnappers, successfully rescuing four victims: Chisom Kingsley and Chuoke Chinedu from Akama, Jonathan Paul Chukwu from Akwa Ibom State, and Patience John from Taraba State.
A motorcycle and a vehicle were recovered during the operation, and both the rescued victims and recovered items were handed over to the police for further investigation.
In a related development, troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, conducted a follow-up operation 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 his associates.
The follow-up operation led to the arrest of another suspect, identified as Chisom Agashi Ogadego, alias “Baron,” believed to be a key member of a criminal network linked to IPOB/ESN activities. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was involved in kidnapping operations within the state.
The Army disclosed that information provided by the suspect led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition from a location within Izzi LGA.
The Nigerian Army said the coordinated operations highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-driven strategies in dismantling criminal networks and enhancing security in the region. It also reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
