Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Eastern Sanity have rescued 12 kidnapped victims during a security operation in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, authorities confirmed.
The successful rescue operation took place on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Ette Community after security operatives received a distress call reporting that several residents had been abducted by suspected kidnappers.
According to military sources, troops attached to the 82 Division Garrison quickly mobilized to the area in collaboration with police operatives, forest guards, and members of the local Neighbourhood Watch. The joint security team reportedly advanced into the suspected hideout area where the victims were believed to have been taken.
Upon arrival, the troops launched aggressive search operations and fighting patrols across nearby forest areas in a coordinated effort to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victims.
Security officials said the rapid response and increased pressure from the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee the area. During the follow-up operation, the troops pursued the fleeing suspects while simultaneously securing the location where the victims were found.
“All the 12 kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed during the operation,” a military source involved in the mission said. The victims were later evacuated to safety and are expected to reunite with their families after preliminary medical checks and debriefing.
During the exploitation phase of the operation, two suspects believed to be connected to the kidnapping were arrested by the troops. The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as security agencies attempt to identify and track down other members of the criminal gang involved in the abduction.
The rescue operation is part of ongoing security efforts under Operation Eastern Sanity, a military initiative aimed at combating kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across communities in the South-East region of Nigeria.
Military authorities said troops have since intensified patrols and surveillance activities across Enugu State and surrounding areas to prevent further criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents.
Security analysts note that joint operations involving the military, police, and community-based security groups have increasingly played a key role in responding quickly to kidnapping incidents, particularly in rural communities.
Authorities have urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies, emphasizing that community cooperation remains crucial in tackling criminal networks and maintaining security in affected areas….See More
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