Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Headquarters 14 Brigade Operation Udo Ka, working together with other security agencies, have successfully rescued a kidnapped man during a special operation carried out in Abia State.
The rescue mission was conducted by soldiers from the 145 Battalion alongside operatives of Operation Crush and the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Umuahia. The security team rescued a man identified as Mr. Onyebuchi Nwaoha, who had reportedly been abducted by gunmen.
The development was confirmed on Thursday by Captain Mazinho Attah, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 14 Brigade Nigerian Army. He explained that the mission formed part of the ongoing security exercise known as Eastern Sanity II.
According to the Army spokesperson, some suspects connected to the crime have already been arrested, while the rescued victim is currently with security officials as investigations continue.
Captain Attah said security operatives are now working to uncover and destroy other criminal gangs operating within the state and nearby communities.
He added that troops have maintained strong security patrols across several major roads and sensitive areas in Abia State. Some of the locations mentioned include the ABSU–Okigwe–Ihube Road, the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, and communities across Umunneochi, Bende, Isiala Ngwa, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia, and Arochukwu local government areas.
The Army explained that the operations are mainly aimed at stopping the activities of criminal groups, including IPOB/ESN members, and tackling illegal acts such as the unauthorized use of explosives by unlicensed individuals.
In another incident, troops stationed in Osisioma reportedly responded quickly after receiving information about a shooting around Brass Street in the GRA area of Aba.
When security operatives arrived at the scene, they discovered the dead body of an unidentified man by the roadside. Reports indicated that the victim was attacked by unknown gunmen before the arrival of the troops.
Emergency officials later evacuated the body, while security agencies launched investigations to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.
Captain Attah also disclosed that soldiers carried out several night patrols and security operations in strategic locations across the state. He noted that the affected areas remained peaceful during the monitoring period.
The patrol teams also visited several communities considered security flashpoints, including Isiugu, Akanu-Ukwu, Ameakpo, Nguzu, Arochukwu, Bende, and nearby areas.
According to the Army, security personnel are continuing to work closely with other agencies to maintain peace, protect residents, and prevent further criminal activities across Abia State.