In a major victory for security efforts in the South East, troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force “Operation UDO KA,” have successfully rescued a kidnapped clergyman in Enugu State. The operation, which took place on Thursday, was described as a swift and precision-led strike driven by high-level intelligence.
The victim, Reverend Johnson Anayo Onugwu, was reportedly seized from his home in the Ezimo community of Udenu Local Government Area in the early hours of Thursday morning. The kidnappers did not hold their captive for long. By the afternoon, a combined team of soldiers and other security operatives had already picked up the trail of the criminals.
The rescue mission led the troops to the Itabolo general area, eventually culminating in a fierce confrontation at Okpakeke community. During the firefight, the army managed to overwhelm the gang, neutralizing one of the gunmen while the rest of the group abandoned their captive and fled into the surrounding bush. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded among the military personnel involved in the exchange.
Following the successful rescue of the Reverend, who was found unharmed, the troops conducted a search of the immediate area. They recovered an AK-47 rifle along with two magazines and several rounds of live ammunition left behind by the fleeing suspects. This recovery highlights the dangerous nature of the criminal elements operating within the region.
The military has since reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an aggressive stance against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South East. Security sources emphasized to Reports that the army will continue to work hand-in-hand with sister agencies to flush out criminals and ensure that residents can go about their lives without fear.
