The operation was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, following intelligence-led efforts to track the abductors

Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 82 Division have rescued a kidnapped cleric, Reverend Johnson Anayo Onugwu, after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, following intelligence-led efforts to track the abductors.

Reverend Onugwu was abducted in the early hours of Thursday, January 29, 2026, when armed men invaded his residence in Ezimo community around 1:00 a.m. and took him to an unknown location.

Following actionable intelligence, troops of the 82 Division Garrison were immediately mobilised and deployed to the Udenu axis to trail the kidnappers.

The soldiers tracked the suspects to the Itabolo general area, before a continued pursuit led them to Okpakeke community.

A security expert, Zagazola Makama, who confirmed the development on Friday, said the rescue followed a gun battle between the troops and the kidnappers.

Makama said, “The troops engaged the kidnappers at Okpakeke community in a gun battle, which led to the successful rescue of the victim.”

During the operation, the troops reportedly expended about 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

No casualty was recorded among the military personnel or other security operatives involved in the operation.

A security source told Zagazola, “One of the criminals was neutralised on the spot during the firefight.”

Items recovered at the scene included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The rescued cleric was immediately evacuated from the area and has since been reunited with his family.

Residents of Ezimo community were said to have expressed relief following the successful rescue.

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