By Sophia Afolabi
The Nigerian military has recorded a series of operational gains in Enugu State, including the recovery of an improvised explosive device (IED), N2 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, a firearm, and the arrest of a suspected kidnapper.
The operations were conducted by troops of the Nigerian Army under the 82 Division as part of Operation UDO KA, according to an operational update obtained in Abuja.
In one of the missions, troops of the 82 Division Garrison, in collaboration with the 103 Battalion and the Air Component, carried out clearance operations in Ajali Forest, located in Ezeagu Local Government Area. The exercise targeted hideouts linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
During the operation, troops discovered an anti-tank improvised explosive device along the axis.
According to the report, the device was safely recovered and relocated by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team after three unsuccessful detonation attempts.
During the operation, an anti-tank improvised explosive device was discovered along the axis.
According to the report, the device was safely recovered and relocated by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team after three unsuccessful detonation attempts.
Troops also sustained clearance operations within the forest, deploying heavy equipment such as bulldozers and chainsaws to dismantle camps and restrict the movement of criminal elements.
In a separate operation at Adani in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, troops acted on intelligence linking ransom payments from a kidnapping incident to a specific location within their area of responsibility.
The report indicated that the funds were electronically tracked, prompting swift intervention by troops, who apprehended a suspect’s brother at the identified location.
Subsequent searches led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle and N2 million in cash from the suspect’s residence.
The arrested individual, along with the recovered items, has been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The military added that all operations were executed successfully without casualties or untoward incidents.
