Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 14 Brigade under Operation UDO KA have rescued a kidnap victim and intensified coordinated security operations across Abia State as part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the region.
In a statement issued on Friday, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, Mazinho Attah, disclosed that troops of the 145 Battalion, working alongside Operation Crush and the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, carried out an intelligence-led operation in Umuahia that led to the rescue of Onyebuchi Nwaoha.
According to the Army, the victim had earlier been abducted by armed men.
The statement added that both the rescued victim and some arrested suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to dismantle other criminal networks operating within the area.
“The operation was conducted under operation EASTERN SANITY II. The troops have maintained a heavy presence along major routes and vulnerable communities, including the ABSU–Okigwe–Ihube Road, the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, and parts of Umunneochi, Bende, Isiala Ngwa, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia, and Arochukwu Local Government Areas,” the statement read.
The Army explained that the operations are targeted at members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, as well as other criminal groups operating in the region.
The security operations are also aimed at preventing the illegal use of explosives and reducing violent attacks across affected communities.
In a related development, troops stationed at Osisioma in Aba reportedly responded to a shooting incident on Brass Street within the Government Reserved Area.
According to the Army, security operatives discovered the body of an unidentified man abandoned by the roadside after he was allegedly attacked by gunmen.
Emergency responders later evacuated the corpse while investigations into the attack continue.
The statement further disclosed that coordinated night patrols and “stand-to” operations were conducted in strategic locations including Isiugu, Akanu-Ukwu, Ameakpo, Nguzu, Arochukwu, Bende and neighbouring communities.
Security officials reportedly confirmed that the affected areas remained calm during the review period.
“This successful operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to neutralizing threats, safeguarding communities, and ensuring peace and stability across the region,” the statement added.
The Army also urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by providing useful information on criminal and separatist activities while rejecting ideologies capable of threatening public peace and unity.
