Nigerian Army troops from the 82 Division, working alongside other security agencies, have successfully rescued abducted cleric Rev. Johnson Anayo Onugwu from the clutches of gunmen in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The victim, a clergyman from Ezimo community, was kidnapped from his residence at about 1:00 a.m. on January 29, 2026, by unknown armed men.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison were swiftly deployed to the Udenu axis and tracked the kidnappers to the Itabolo general area.
“The troops engaged the kidnappers at Okpakeke community in a gun battle, which led to the successful rescue of the victim,” a security source told Zagazola Makama.
During the intense firefight, the troops expended 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, with no casualties recorded among the security forces.
“One of the criminals was neutralised on the spot during the firefight,” the source added.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Rev. Onugwu has been safely reunited with his family, while security agencies confirmed that operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal gang and ensure they face justice.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East region.
