Nigerian Army troops have rescued all 12 victims of a kidnapping in Ette Community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, in a swift joint operation that sent the abductors fleeing without harming their captives.
Troops of the 82 Division Garrison under Operation Eastern Sanity carried out the rescue on Friday, March 6, 2026, after security operatives received a distress call reporting that suspected kidnappers had abducted several residents and taken them to a nearby location.
Responding rapidly, the troops mobilised in collaboration with police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch, advancing to the location where the victims were believed to be held. Upon reaching the area, the troops pursued the fleeing suspects while securing the vicinity.
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The kidnappers were overwhelmed by the rapid response and superior combat readiness of the troops and fled the scene, leaving the victims behind. All 12 victims were rescued unharmed and without injuries, and were subsequently handed over to the police for debriefing and reunion with their families. Two suspects linked to the kidnapping were arrested and are currently in custody for further interrogation to identify and apprehend other members of the gang.
The Nigerian Army stated: “Our response was rapid and deliberate — we deployed search and fighting patrols across the suspected location to track down the criminals and secure the victims’ release.” The military added that Operation Eastern Sanity has since intensified patrols and surveillance across Enugu State to maintain public safety and deter further criminal activity.
The successful operation is the latest in a series of security actions in Nigeria’s South-East as the military maintains pressure on criminal networks operating across the region.