Troops of the Joint Task Force, Southeast, under Operation UDO KA, have foiled a suspected kidnap attack and rescued five victims following a swift night response along the 9th Mile axis within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility.
According to a statement, the troops acted on a distress call received at about 6:55 p.m. on February 20, 2026, reporting a suspected attack on commuters travelling towards Anambra State. The alert indicated the involvement of elements believed to be affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
On arrival at the scene, the security operatives engaged the armed assailants in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into nearby bushes. Five kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, while their vehicle was recovered intact.
The task force said follow-up patrols and area domination operations have been intensified to prevent the suspects from regrouping and to track those who escaped. It added that the sustained security presence is aimed at reassuring commuters and denying criminal elements freedom of movement within the sector.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and securing critical routes across the Southeast, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
