By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of Operation UDO KA, working in collaboration with other security agencies, have sustained operational momentum in the South-East under the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity, recording notable successes in Enugu and Ebonyi states.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Nigerian Army disclosed that troops successfully rescued kidnap victims and dismantled parts of a criminal network through intelligence-led operations conducted on April 28, 2026.
According to the statement, troops of the 82 Division Garrison deployed at Akama in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State acted swiftly on credible intelligence concerning a kidnap attempt along the Akama Iwollo Road. The troops engaged the suspected kidnappers in a pursuit operation, leading to the rescue of four abducted persons.
The victims were identified as Chisom Kingsley and Chuoke Chinedu, both from Akama in Enugu State, Jonathan Paul Chukwu from Akwa Ibom State, and Patience John from Taraba State. Security forces also recovered a motorcycle and a vehicle used in the operation. The rescued victims, alongside the recovered items, were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.
In a related development, troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, carried out a follow-up operation in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, based on intelligence obtained from the earlier arrest of a suspected insurgent commander, Chinedu Igautu, also known as “Calamity,” and four of his associates.
The operation led to the arrest of another suspected key member of the IPOB/ESN criminal network, identified as Chisom Agashi Ogadego, alias “Baron.” Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities within the state.
Military sources further revealed that information provided by the suspect facilitated additional operational gains, including the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition from a hideout within Izzi Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Army said the coordinated operations highlight the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-driven strategies aimed at dismantling criminal elements and enhancing security across the South-East.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to bolster ongoing efforts against criminal networks.
