Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 12 kidnapped victims and arrested two suspected kidnappers during a security operation in Ette Community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The rescue was carried out by troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army under the ongoing security mission, Operation Eastern Sanity.
In a statement issued on Saturday through the Army’s official account, the service said the operation followed a distress call reporting the abduction of several residents in the community.
According to the statement, the rescue mission took place on Friday, March 6, 2026, after security operatives received intelligence that suspected kidnappers had taken multiple victims to a nearby hideout.
The Army said troops swiftly mobilized for the operation in collaboration with police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch.
Upon arriving at the suspected location, the troops launched aggressive search and fighting patrols to locate the kidnappers and free the captives.
The statement noted that the kidnappers, overwhelmed by the rapid response and superior combat readiness of the troops, abandoned their victims and fled the scene.
During a follow-up operation to secure the area, the troops successfully rescued all 12 victims unharmed while pursuing the fleeing suspects.
The Army added that two individuals suspected to be linked to the kidnapping were arrested during the operation and are currently undergoing interrogation to assist security agencies in tracking down other members of the gang.
It further stated that troops of Operation Eastern Sanity have intensified patrols and surveillance in the area to strengthen security and reassure residents.
The Army described the rescue as a demonstration of the troops’ sustained operational pressure and commitment to protecting lives and property while restoring public confidence in the region.
