By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation UDO KA, operating under the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY, have recorded significant operational gains in the South-East with the rescue of kidnap victims in Enugu State and the arrest of a suspected member of an IPOB/ESN criminal network in Ebonyi State.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Olabisi Ayeni, the troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out the successful operations on April 28, 2026, as part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal elements in the region.
In Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, troops of the 82 Division Garrison deployed at Akama responded swiftly to credible intelligence on a kidnap attempt along the Akama–Iwollo Road. The troops engaged the assailants and successfully rescued four abducted individuals identified as Chisom Kingsley and Chuoke Chinedu, both from Akama, as well as Jonathan Paul Chukwu from Akwa Ibom State and Patience John from Taraba State.
During the operation, a motorcycle and a vehicle used by the criminals were recovered. The rescued victims, along with the recovered items, were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
In a related development, troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, acting on intelligence obtained from the earlier arrest of a suspected insurgent commander, Chinedu Igautu, conducted a follow-up operation in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The operation led to the arrest of another suspected member of the IPOB/ESN network, Chisom Agashi Ogadego. Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect had been actively involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities within the state.
The suspect reportedly provided actionable intelligence that facilitated further operational breakthroughs, including the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition from a location within the area.
The Nigerian Army stated that the coordinated operations highlight the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led missions in degrading criminal networks and enhancing security across the South-East. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
