Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division, operating under the Joint Task Force South East in Operation UDO KA, have rescued a kidnapped clergyman, Reverend Johnson Onugwu, in Enugu State.
The Army disclosed in a post on its official X handle on Friday that the cleric was abducted by gunmen from his residence in Ezimo Community, Udenu Local Government Area, at about 1:00 a.m. on January 29, 2026.
According to the Army, troops acted on credible intelligence and tracked the kidnappers to the Itabolo general area before engaging them in Okpakeke Community.
The statement noted that a gun battle ensued during the operation, leading to the neutralisation of one of the suspects and the successful rescue of Reverend Onugwu without injury.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The Nigerian Army said it is working closely with other security agencies to sustain peace and security in the region, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property while denying criminal elements freedom of action within its area of responsibility.
Advertisement
