Troops Foil Kidnap Attack, Rescue 5 Victims In Enugu

Troops of Joint Task Force South-East (JTF SE) Operation UDO KA, on Friday, foiled a kidnap attack along 9th Mile, rescued five victims and recovered a vehicle in Enugu State.

According to sources, the victims were transiting to Anambra State when elements of IPOB/ESN attempted to abduct them in Enugu State.

The source said troops received a distress call at about 1855 hours on February 20, 2026, at 9th Mile axis, within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility of a suspected IPOB/ESN attack on commuters transiting to Anambra State.

He said troops, in demonstration of exceptional vigilance and combat readiness, immediately mobilised to the scene to confront the criminals.

He said the troops on arrival engaged the armed elements, overwhelming them with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre.

He said the swift and aggressive response forced the criminals to abandon their captives and flee into surrounding bushes.

“As a result, five kidnap victims were successfully rescued unhurt, while their vehicle was recovered intact, dealing a significant blow to the criminal network operating in the area,” the source said.

He added that troops sustained aggressive patrols and area domination to prevent regrouping, track fleeing suspects and deny criminal elements any freedom of action.

“This sustained presence has reinforced public confidence, reassured commuters, and further degraded the operational capabilities of hostile actors across the sector,” he added.

The senior military officer assured the public of Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives, securing critical routes and dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks in the South-East region.

He urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, as collective vigilance and cooperation remained critical enablers in achieving lasting peace, stability and security across the region.