Joint security forces attached to Operation UDO KA have rescued four kidnap victims and apprehended a high-profile criminal suspect during separate raids in Enugu and Ebonyi States.
The operations, conducted on April 28, 2026, are part of the ongoing “Operation Eastern Sanity” aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the South East region.
Enugu Rescue Operation
Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison deployed at Akama intercepted a kidnapping attempt along the Akama–Iwollo Road in the Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Following a pursuit and subsequent engagement with the gunmen, the troops successfully secured the release of four individuals.
The rescued victims have been identified as:
Chisom Kingsley (Akama)
Chuoke Chinedu (Akama)
Jonathan Paul Chukwu (Akwa Ibom State)
Patience John (Taraba State)
A motorcycle and a vehicle were recovered at the scene. Both the victims and the recovered items have been handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation and reunion with their families.
Ebonyi Arrest and Arms Recovery
In a follow-up operation in the Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, troops of Sector 2 arrested Chisom Agashi Ogadego, alias “Baron.” The arrest was made possible through intelligence gathered from the previous apprehension of a notorious insurgent commander known as “Calamity” and four of his associates. Military officials identified Ogadego as a key member of the IPOB/ESN criminal network.
During preliminary interrogations, the suspect confessed to involvement in various kidnapping operations within Ebonyi State. Information provided by the suspect led troops to a concealed location where an AK-47 rifle, several magazines, and ammunition were recovered.
Commitment to Regional Security
In a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, the military emphasized that these intelligence-led operations are vital to dismantling criminal networks.
”The Nigerian Army reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” the statement read.
The Army further urged South East residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to help maintain the current operational momentum against criminal elements.
