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Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, have successfully rescued a kidnapped Anglican cleric, Rev. Johnson Anayo Onugwu, in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The priest was abducted from his residence in Ezimo community at about 1:00 a.m. on January 29, 2026, after armed men stormed the area and took him away.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops from the 82 Division Garrison were swiftly deployed to the Udenu axis, where they tracked the kidnappers to the Itabolo general area. The operation later led security forces to Okpakeke community, where the kidnappers were confronted.
A gun battle ensued between the troops and the suspects, resulting in the successful rescue of the abducted cleric. During the exchange, one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while no casualties were recorded among the security personnel.
According to military sources, the troops expended 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the operation. Items recovered at the scene included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Rev. Onugwu has since been reunited with his family, while security agencies confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the criminal gang and bring them to justice.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East region.
