Troops neutralize kidnapper, rescue abducted cleric in Enugu

Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued a kidnapped cleric, Rev. Johnson Anayo Onugwu, in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The rescue operation followed a swift response to the cleric’s abduction, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of January 29.

According to security analyst Zagozola Makama, sources revealed that armed men stormed Rev. Onugwu’s residence in the Ezimo community at about 1:00 a.m., forcibly taking him away and sparking fears among residents.

Acting on actionable intelligence, troops from the 82 Division Garrison were deployed to the Udenu axis, where they tracked the kidnappers to the Itabolo general area.

“The troops engaged the kidnappers at Okpakeke community in a gun battle, which led to the successful rescue of the victim,” the source said.

During the operation, the troops reportedly expended 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, while no casualties were recorded among the security forces.

“One of the criminals was neutralised on the spot during the firefight,” the source added.

Items recovered at the scene included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The rescued cleric has since been reunited with his family. Meanwhile, security agencies said efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the criminal gang and bring them to justice.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East.