Troops of Operation Udoka, working alongside other security agencies under the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity, have successfully rescued four kidnapped victims in Enugu State and arrested a major suspect linked to criminal networks in Ebonyi State. The coordinated operations, carried out on April 28, 2026, highlight the Nigerian Army’s intensified efforts to dismantle kidnapping rings and restore security across the South-East.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the developments in a statement. He explained that troops of the 82 Division Garrison deployed at Akama in Ezeagu Local Government Area acted swiftly on credible intelligence regarding a kidnap attempt along the Akama–Iwollo Road.
The soldiers pursued the kidnappers and engaged them in a firefight, leading to the safe rescue of four abducted individuals. The victims were identified as Chisom Kingsley and Chuoke Chinedu, both from Akama, alongside Jonathan Paul Chukwu from Akwa Ibom and Patience John from Taraba State.
During the operation, troops also recovered a motorcycle and a vehicle believed to have been used by the kidnappers. Both the rescued victims and the recovered items were handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigation and follow-up action.
In a related development, troops of Sector 2, Operation Udoka, conducted a follow-up mission in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. This operation was based on intelligence obtained from the earlier arrest of a notorious insurgent commander, Chinedu Igautu, popularly known as Calamity, and four of his associates.
The follow-up raid led to the arrest of another key member of the IPOB/ESN criminal network, identified as Chisom Agashi Ogadego, also known as Baron. Preliminary investigations revealed that Ogadego had been actively involved in kidnapping operations and other criminal activities within the state.
His arrest yielded further operational gains, as he provided information that enabled troops to recover an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition from a location in Izzi. The Nigerian Army described these coordinated actions as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in tackling organized crime.
The Nigerian Army emphasized that these successes underscore the importance of sustained collaboration between military units, police, and other security agencies. By combining intelligence gathering with rapid response, the operations are gradually dismantling criminal networks that have threatened communities across the South-East.
Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni reiterated the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring citizens that the fight against kidnapping and insurgency remains a top priority. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community support is vital to achieving lasting peace.
The Army’s statement reassured Nigerians that the institution remains unwavering in its mission to protect citizens from criminal elements. “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,” Ayeni said.
This message reflects a broader push by the military to rebuild public confidence, particularly in regions where kidnappings and insurgent activities have disrupted daily life. By highlighting the rescue of victims and the arrest of high-profile suspects, the Army aims to demonstrate tangible progress in restoring security.
The April 28 operations in Enugu and Ebonyi represent significant strides in the fight against kidnapping and insurgency in the South-East. The rescue of four victims and the arrest of a notorious criminal figure illustrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions and the importance of inter-agency cooperation.
While challenges remain, the Nigerian Army’s actions send a clear signal that criminal networks will be relentlessly pursued and dismantled. For communities in Enugu, Ebonyi, and beyond, these developments offer renewed hope that peace and security can be restored through sustained vigilance and decisive military engagement.
