Nigerian Army Rescues Kidnapped Clergyman in Enugu After Gun Battle

Nigerian Army Rescues Abducted Clergyman in Enugu After Gun Battle

Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under Joint Task Force South East – Operation UDO KA, have successfully rescued a kidnapped clergyman during a coordinated security operation in Enugu State.

The victim, Reverend Johnson Anayo Onugwu, was abducted in the early hours of January 29, 2026, when armed men stormed his residence in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area, at about 1:00am.

Following the abduction, security forces acted on credible intelligence which led troops from 82 Division Garrison, Udenu, to trace the kidnappers’ movement. The operation extended into the Itabolo general area, before troops eventually confronted the suspects at Okpakeke community.

A gunfight reportedly ensued when the kidnappers encountered the advancing troops. During the exchange, one of the criminals was neutralised, forcing the others to flee and abandoning the clergyman, who was rescued unharmed.

During the operation, troops recovered:

- One AK-47 rifle

- Two magazines

- Twenty rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition

The recovered weapons have been secured, while follow-up operations are ongoing to track down other members of the criminal gang who escaped. 

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The Nigerian Army said the successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency cooperation in tackling insecurity in the South-East. The Army reaffirmed its resolve to protect lives and property and to ensure criminal elements have no safe haven within the Joint Task Force’s area of responsibility.

Residents of the area have since expressed relief and appreciation over the timely intervention, as security presence has been reinforced to prevent further incidents.