Joint military forces have rescued 15 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the South East, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Monday.
The operations, conducted under the Joint Task Force South East Operation Udoka between December 3 and December 12, targeted kidnapping networks and criminal hideouts across the region.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the victims were freed during offensive missions in Udenu Local Government Area (Enugu State), Ogbadigbo LGA (Benue State), Ikang LGA (Cross River State), and Ishielu LGA (Ebonyi State).
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Troops also raided a suspected local weapons fabrication workshop in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State, allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Arms, ammunition, and various tools used for weapon fabrication and servicing were recovered during the raids.
Additionally, 11 illegal immigrants apprehended during the operations were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further processing.
Major Gen. Onoja said the actions are part of sustained efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and restrict criminal activities in the South East. He added that the military would maintain high operational tempo to safeguard lives and property in the region.
