Troops of Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA have foiled a kidnap attempt targeting a prominent South-East figure (name withheld) in Umuaka community, Njaba LGA, Imo.
The Joint Task Force spokesman, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, stated on Saturday in Enugu that the incident was thwarted by troops on routine patrol on Friday, May 17, 2024.
According to Unuakhalu, the troops, while patrolling along the Orlu-Owerri Road in Umuaka, were alerted to the kidnap and the kidnappers’ escape route.
e said: “The troops swiftly pursued the kidnappers and made contact with them.
“In the fire fight that ensued, the troops professionally neutralised one of the kidnappers and injured two others despite their attempts to use passer-by as human shield.
“The troops recovered one AK 47 rifle with two loaded magazines and a motorcycle.”
The spokesman added that troops, in conjunction with personnel from Naval Base Oguta, neutralized a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) terrorist group in Amagberedere village, Oguta LGA, Imo.
He noted that during the raid on the suspected hideout of the dissidents, the irredentists opened fire upon sighting the troops.
“But the soldiers responded appropriately and in the process neutralised one of the terrorists and recovered one pump action shotgun and two cartridges.
“We commend the good people of Umuaka and Oguta communities for providing timely intelligence.
“We continue to encourage the general public to provide timely information that will lead to the arrest of these criminal elements terrorising the law-abiding and peace-loving South-East people.
“The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, beseech the support of all for restoration of peace in Imo State and the South-East in general,” he said.
Unuakhalu also urged residents of the South-East to report any information of security value to the military by dialing 193 on a mobile phone and pressing Number 2 for quick intervention.