Nigerian Army rescues 12 kidnap victims in Enugu during Operation Eastern Sanity. Two suspects were arrested after troops launched a swift security operation

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops under Operation Eastern Sanity rescued 12 kidnapped victims and arrested two suspects during a security operation in Ette Community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

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The rescue mission was carried out by troops of the 82 Division Nigerian Army on Friday, March 6, 2026, following a distress call reporting the abduction of several residents in the community.

In a statement posted on the Army’s official social media account on Saturday, the military said security operatives received intelligence that suspected kidnappers had moved the victims to a nearby hideout.

“Troops of the 82 Division Garrison under Operation Eastern Sanity have recorded another operational success with the rescue of 12 kidnapped victims in Ette Community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State,” the statement said.

According to the Army, the troops immediately mobilised in collaboration with police operatives, forest guards and members of the neighbourhood watch to locate the abductors.

“Responding swiftly and with precision, the troops immediately mobilised in conjunction with police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch, advancing to the suspected area where the victims were believed to have been taken,” the statement added.

On arrival at the suspected location, the security team launched aggressive search and fighting patrols to track down the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.

The Army explained that the rapid deployment and strong combat readiness of the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.

“Overwhelmed by the rapid response and superior combat readiness of the troops, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled the scene,” the military stated.

Troops pursued the fleeing suspects while securing the area, eventually rescuing all the victims without injury.

“During the exploitation of the location, all the 12 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unharmed,” the statement said.

The Army confirmed that two suspects believed to be connected to the crime were arrested during the operation and are currently undergoing interrogation to help security agencies identify and apprehend other members of the gang.

Following the operation, troops of Operation Eastern Sanity have intensified patrols and surveillance across the area to reassure residents and prevent further criminal activities.

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Military authorities said the operation underscores the force’s decisive commitment to protecting lives and property while restoring public confidence in affected communities.