Troops from the Joint Task Force South-East, operating under “Operation UDO KA,” have successfully neutralised 13 armed members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra and apprehended three kidnappers in the South-East region.
This was confirmed by the task force’s spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure South-East throughout the Yuletide season.
Unuakhalu reported that the Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, has appealed to well-meaning citizens to continue supporting the task force by providing timely, credible information.
“Remember, security is everybody’s business. It is not in the hands of security agencies alone. 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 Operation UDO KA,” he added.
On December 21, troops from Sector 1 carried out an ambush operation along the Amouka-Umouka Road in 9th Mile, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, aimed at disrupting kidnappers’ activities.
During the operation, the troops engaged kidnappers in a firefight, resulting in one suspect being neutralised, while others fled with gunshot injuries.
The troops recovered several items at the scene, including one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, two cell phones, one power bank, three ATM cards, a wristwatch, a bunch of keys, and N8,900 in cash.
In another operation on December 16, troops from Sector 5 carried out a clearance in the Mbosi and Isseke areas of Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra.
Three IPOB members were neutralised, and the troops destroyed a house belonging to one of the group’s commanders, along with a shrine used for fortification.
Additionally, five Improvised Explosive Devices and two batteries used to detonate the IEDs were recovered during a routine patrol in the Ihiala-Orlu, Lilu, Agba Lilu, and Orsumoghu areas of Anambra.
Earlier, on December 14, acting on reliable public tips, the troops arrested three suspected kidnappers in Itungwa, Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia.
The suspects, operating in a stolen tricycle, tried to flee upon sighting the troops but were swiftly apprehended.
Recovered from the suspects were one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, a locally-made single-barrel pistol, 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 34 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, two G3 magazines, one live cartridge, a mobile phone, N6,600 in cash, and two knapsack bags used to conceal the weapons.
