Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of the 82 Division Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have successfully rescued a kidnapped clergyman, Reverend Johnson Anayo Onugwu, following a swift, intelligence-driven operation in Enugu State.
The clergyman was abducted from his residence in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area, at about 1:00 a.m. on January 29, 2026. According to security sources, the kidnappers, described as armed gunmen, stormed the area under the cover of darkness and took Reverend Onugwu to an unknown destination, triggering immediate concern within the community and prompting a rapid response from security agencies.
Acting on actionable intelligence shortly after the abduction, troops of the 82 Division Garrison deployed in Udenu commenced a coordinated manhunt for the perpetrators. The operation led the troops to trail the kidnappers to the Itabolo general area, where intelligence further narrowed their movement toward Okpakeke community. Upon locating the suspects, the troops engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
During the exchange of fire, one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised on the spot, forcing the remaining members of the criminal gang to flee the area. The decisive engagement resulted in the successful rescue of Reverend Onugwu, who was recovered alive and unharmed. He was immediately secured by the troops and later handed over for medical evaluation and debriefing.
Items recovered from the scene of the encounter included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, underscoring the level of firepower wielded by the kidnappers. The recovery of these weapons, security officials noted, further confirms the continued threat posed by armed criminal groups operating across parts of the South East.
Residents of Ezimo community expressed relief and gratitude following the rescue, describing the swift action by the military and other security agencies as reassuring at a time of heightened anxiety over kidnapping incidents in the region. Community leaders said the abduction of a clergyman had sent shockwaves through the area, given his role as a spiritual leader and his peaceful standing within the community.
In a statement following the operation, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working in synergy with sister security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the Joint Task Force Area of Responsibility. The military stressed that it remains resolute in denying criminal elements freedom of action and vowed to sustain pressure on kidnapping syndicates and other violent groups threatening peace and stability in the South East.
The rescue comes amid ongoing security operations under Operation UDO KA, which was launched to address rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the region. In recent months, the operation has recorded several successes, including the arrest and neutralisation of suspected criminals, recovery of arms and ammunition, and rescue of abducted victims.
Security analysts note that intelligence-led operations, combined with timely response and inter-agency collaboration, have become critical in countering criminal networks that rely on speed, secrecy, and fear to carry out their activities. They also emphasise the importance of community cooperation, particularly in providing timely information that can aid security forces in tracking and intercepting criminals.
While welcoming the successful rescue of Reverend Onugwu, residents and civil society groups continue to call for sustained security presence and proactive measures to prevent future incidents. They argue that beyond tactical victories, long-term peace will require addressing the underlying drivers of crime, including unemployment, proliferation of small arms, and gaps in rural security coverage.
For now, the safe return of the clergyman stands as a significant morale boost for both the affected community and security forces, reinforcing public confidence in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in Enugu State and the wider South East.
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