BREAKING:Security operatives stormed kidnappers’ hideouts in Imo, Enugu and Cross River, rescuing victims and recovering cash, phones and other operational items.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended six suspected criminals, rescued four kidnapped victims and recovered cash as well as operational items during separate security operations carried out in Imo, Cross River and Enugu states.

According to an operational update issued by the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, the operations were conducted between Friday and Saturday following credible intelligence on kidnapping and other criminal activities.
In Imo State, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Forward Operating Base Izombe, working alongside a local security outfit, rescued kidnapped victims along the Oguta–Owerri Road in Oguta Local Government Area.
The report stated that the troops tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in the Okohia Umueju forest, where four victims were being held captive.
During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly fled after troops engaged them. Three victims were rescued alive, while one victim was killed by the abductors while attempting to escape.
Security operatives recovered N987,500 suspected to be ransom proceeds, alongside five mobile phones and two power banks from the scene.
In Cross River State, troops also foiled a kidnapping incident at a hotel in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area, during a political party primary election.
The report explained that two groups of suspected kidnappers invaded the venue. One group, travelling in a Toyota Corolla with registration number ABJ 810HL, abducted an INEC Returning Officer and compelled the official to transfer N70,000.
Another group reportedly arrived on motorcycles and made away with ballot boxes from the venue.
Troops swiftly responded to the incident, intercepted the vehicle, rescued the abducted official and arrested three suspects linked to the crime.
However, one armed suspect escaped into the bush with a bag containing a mobile phone, ATM card and election materials, while the second group fled with the ballot boxes.
The rescued INEC official, the arrested suspects and the recovered vehicle are currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, in Enugu State, troops under Operation Eastern Sanity II carried out a raid in Achi Town, Oji River Local Government Area, following intelligence reports about a building allegedly used by cultists.
The operation led to the recovery of eight motorcycles and two buckets containing locally made gunpowder.
Three suspects, including an 85-year-old man and two women aged 26 and 29, were arrested during the raid.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities across the South-East and neighbouring areas.