Military Repel IPOB/ESN Attack, Rescue 5 Abducted Travellers in Southeast
Troops of the Joint Task Force Southeast (JTF SE), under Operation UDO KA, have rescued five travellers abducted during a suspected attack by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), along the 9th Mile axis within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility.
The incident occurred on Friday, February 20, 2026, at about 6:55 p.m., following a distress call reporting an attack on commuters travelling towards Anambra State. According to military sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the armed elements in a fierce confrontation.
The soldiers reportedly deployed superior firepower and executed tactical manoeuvres that overwhelmed the assailants, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee the area.
As a result of the rapid response, five kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, while their vehicle was recovered intact.
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In the aftermath of the operation, troops intensified patrols and sustained area domination efforts to prevent any regrouping by the fleeing suspects. Security forces have also launched tracking operations aimed at apprehending those responsible and denying criminal elements freedom of action across the region.
Military authorities said the proactive response has further degraded the operational capabilities of hostile actors in the Southeast and reassured commuters and residents of continued security presence along critical routes.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, securing major lines of communication and dismantling terrorist and criminal networks operating in the region.
Members of the public were urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that collective vigilance and cooperation remain vital to achieving lasting peace, stability and security in the Southeast.
By PRNigeria
