Army rescues 12 abducted residents, arrests two suspects in Enugu

Army rescues 12 abducted residents, arrests two suspects in Enugu

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division Garrison, operating under Operation Eastern Sanity, have successfully rescued 12 kidnapped victims and arrested two suspected kidnappers in Ette Community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State.

The rescue followed a distress call on Friday reporting that several residents had been abducted by suspected kidnappers in the community. Acting on the information, the troops swiftly mobilised alongside police operatives, Forest Guards, and members of the Neighbourhood Watch to the suspected hideout where the victims were believed to have been held.

A statement shared on the verified X handle of the Nigerian Army on Saturday explained that the security team immediately launched aggressive search operations and fighting patrols across the area to track down the kidnappers and secure the victims’ safe release.

“Responding swiftly and with precision, the troops immediately mobilised in conjunction with police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch, advancing to the suspected area where the victims were believed to have been taken,” the statement said.

READ ALSO:

• Troops kill bandit leader Kachallah, 44 others as three soldiers die in Katsina
• Recapitalisation: 30 Nigerian banks meet CBN minimum capital requirement
• ‘I hated my birth name Blessing’ — BBNaija winner Phyna opens up on painful childhood

Security sources revealed that the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled upon noticing the approach of the security forces. “Overwhelmed by the rapid response and superior combat readiness of the troops, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled the scene,” the statement added.

The troops pursued the fleeing suspects while securing the area, successfully rescuing all 12 victims unharmed. During the operation, two suspects linked to the kidnapping were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation to track down other members of the gang.

Sources close to the military said the operation also recovered items believed to belong to the kidnappers, including mobile phones, motorcycles, and improvised weapons. The swift response reportedly prevented what could have escalated into further violence or ransom demands.

Following the rescue, Operation Eastern Sanity troops have intensified patrols and surveillance across Ette Community and neighbouring areas to prevent further criminal activity and reassure residents of their safety.

The Nigerian Army commended the collaboration between the military, police, Forest Guards, and community vigilance groups, noting that such coordinated efforts have been critical in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in the South-East region.

Residents of Ette Community praised the troops for their rapid intervention, saying the operation restored confidence and a sense of security in the area.

Security analysts noted that operations like this form part of a broader strategy by the Nigerian Army to curb kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes, especially in rural communities vulnerable to criminal gangs.

Army rescues 12 abducted residents, arrests two suspects in Enugu