South East Security: Troops rescue kidnapped victims, arrest criminals after shootout

By: Kingsley Omonobi

Troops of Operation Udoka in collaboration with other security agencies in furtherance of sustained operations in the South East under operation Eastern Sanity have rescued four kidnapped victims after a pursuit of the kidnappers and a firefight engagement.

Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Deputy Director Army Public Relations while making this known, said, “Troops recorded significant successes with the rescue of kidnap victims in Enugu State and the arrest of a criminal network member in Ebonyi State on 28 April 2026.

“In Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, troops of the 82 Division Garrison deployed at Akama acted swiftly on credible intelligence regarding a kidnap attempt along the Akama–Iwollo Road in Enugu state.

“The troops pursued and engaged the criminals, successfully rescuing four abducted individuals: Chisom Kingsley and Chuoke Chinedu, both from Akama.

“Others are, Jonathan Paul Chukwu from Akwa Ibom, and Patience John from Taraba State. A motorcycle and a vehicle were recovered during the operation.

“The rescued victims, the recovered motorcycle and vehicle, were handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation.

“In a related operation, acting on intelligence derived from the earlier arrest of a notorious insurgent commander, Mr Chinedu Igautu, known as “Calamity,” and four of his associates, troops of Sector 2, Operation Udoka, conducted a follow-up operation in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

“The operation led to the arrest of another key member of the IPOB/ESN criminal network, Mr. Chisom Agashi Ogadego, also known as “Baron,”.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had been involved in criminal activities, including kidnapping operations within the state.

“The suspect provided useful information that enabled further operational gains, including the recovery of AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition from a location within Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi state.

“These coordinated actions underscore the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding communities across the South-East.

“The Nigerian Army reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

“Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance operational successes against criminal elements.”