Troops Neutralise 2 Suspected Kidnappers, 1 ESN Member In Imo

Troops of Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and one member of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo State.

The troops also foiled an attempted kidnap of a law-abiding South-East illustrious personality (name withheld) at Umuaka community of Njaba LGA of Imo State.

The Spokesman of Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Enugu, averred that the kidnap attempt was foiled by troops on routine patrol on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Unuakhalu stated that in the firefight that ensued, the troops professionally neutralised one of the kidnappers and injured two others despite their attempts to use a passer-by as human shield.

Unuakhalu stated that the troops, while on routine patrol at Umuaka, along Orlu-Owerri Road, were alerted of the kidnap incident and the escape route of the kidnappers.

He said: “The troops swiftly pursued the kidnappers and made contact with them.

“In the firefight that ensued, the troops professionally neutralised one of the kidnappers and injured two others despite their attempts to use passer-by as human shield.

“The troops recovered one AK47 rifle with two loaded magazines and a motorcycle.”

The spokesman said that similarly, troops in conjunction with personnel of Naval Base, Oguta, neutralised a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) terrorist group at Amagberedere village in Oguta LGA of Imo State.

He noted that during the raid operation conducted to the suspected hideout of the dissidents, the irredentists opened fire on sighting the troops.

“But the soldiers responded appropriately and in the process neutralised one of the terrorists and recovered one pump action shotgun and two cartridges.

“We commend the good people of Umuaka and Oguta communities for providing timely intelligence.

“We continue to encourage the general public to provide timely information that will lead to the arrest of these criminal elements terrorising the law-abiding and peace-loving South-East people.

“The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, beseech the support of all for restoration of peace in Imo State and the South-East in general,” he said.

Unuakhalu also urged residents of the South-East to pass any information of security value to the military by using a mobile phone and dialing 193 and press Number ‘2’ for quick intervention.