Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued four victims, arrested six suspects, and recovered cash and other items during separate operations in Imo, Cross River, and Enugu States.
The operations were carried out under the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, according to an update made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday.
The report stated that the operations took place between Friday and Saturday following credible intelligence on kidnapping and other criminal activities.
In Imo State, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Izombe, working with local security operatives, rescued three kidnapped victims along the Oguta–Owerri road in Oguta Local Government Area.
The soldiers reportedly tracked the kidnappers to a forest hideout in Okohia Umueju, where the victims were being held. One of the victims was said to have been killed while attempting to escape.
Troops engaged the kidnappers, forcing them to flee and abandon the victims. Items recovered at the scene included ₦987,500 suspected to be ransom money, five mobile phones, and two power banks.
In Cross River State, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt at an election venue in Yakurr Local Government Area and rescued an abducted INEC official.
The attackers reportedly stormed a hotel in Ekori during a political party primary election. One group abducted the INEC Returning Officer and forced the victim to transfer ₦70,000, while another group made away with ballot boxes.
Troops swiftly responded, intercepted the vehicle used by the kidnappers, and rescued the victim while arresting three suspects. One armed suspect escaped with a bag containing a mobile phone, ATM card, and election materials, while others fled with the ballot boxes.
In Enugu State, under Operation Eastern Sanity II, troops raided a house in Achi Town, Oji River Local Government Area, suspected to be a cultist hideout.
The raid led to the recovery of eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder. Three suspects were arrested, including an 85-year-old man and two women aged 26 and 29.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations aimed at curbing kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East region and surrounding areas.
