Troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, known as “Operation UDO KA,” have neutralised 13 armed members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and arrested three kidnappers in the South-East region.
The news was shared in a statement by Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the spokesman for the task force, on Monday in Enugu.
Unuakhalu said the operations were part of the task force’s effort to make the South-East peaceful during the Christmas season. He added that the Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, urged citizens to support the task force by providing timely and reliable information.
“Security is everybody’s business. It is not just the job of security agencies,” Unuakhalu said. “When you see something, say something by calling the JTF Operation UDO KA’s toll-free line – 193 and press Option 2 to speak directly to Headquarters.”
On December 21, troops from Sector 1 conducted an ambush along Amouka-Umouka Road in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State. They were targeting kidnappers, and during the operation, they came into a firefight. One kidnapper was neutralised, and others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene included: one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 17 rounds of ammunition, two cell phones, one power bank, three ATM cards, one wristwatch, a bunch of keys, and N8,900.
Unuakhalu also reported that on December 16, troops from Sector 5 carried out a clearance operation in Mbosi and Isseke, Anambra State. During the operation, they neutralised three IPOB members and destroyed a house belonging to one of their commanders, along with a shrine used for fortification.
“Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, two loaded AK-47 magazines, three Dane guns, and five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),” he said.
On December 14, based on credible information from the public, troops arrested three suspected kidnappers in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State. The suspects tried to flee in a stolen tricycle but were quickly apprehended at a checkpoint.
The items recovered from them included: one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one locally-made pistol, 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 34 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, and two G3 magazines.
Unuakhalu praised the public for their support, stressing the importance of community involvement in ensuring the safety of the region.
