Troops rescue kidnapped clergyman, kill suspect in Enugu operation

Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have rescued a kidnapped clergyman during a coordinated security operation in Enugu State.

The victim, Reverend Johnson Anayo Onugwu, was abducted from his residence in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area, at about 1:00 a.m. on January 29, 2026, by armed gunmen.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops from the 82 Division Garrison in Udenu tracked the kidnappers to the Itabolo general area and engaged them at Okpakeke community.

Security forces exchanged fire with the suspects, during which one of the kidnappers was killed, leading to the successful rescue of the cleric.

The soldiers recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the operation.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment, alongside other security agencies, to protecting lives and property and intensifying efforts to curb criminal activities across the region.