Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division, working alongside other security agencies, have rescued an Anglican priest, Reverend Johnson Anayo Onugwu, who was abducted by gunmen in Enugu State.
The cleric was kidnapped from his residence in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area, at about 1:00 a.m. on January 29, 2026.
Following credible intelligence, soldiers from the 82 Division Garrison were swiftly deployed to the Udenu axis, where they tracked the kidnappers to the Itabolo area.
The troops later confronted the suspects at the Okpakeke community, leading to a gun battle that resulted in the successful rescue of the priest.
Military sources disclosed that the soldiers fired about 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the operation, with no casualties recorded among security personnel.
One of the kidnappers was reportedly neutralised at the scene.
Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The rescued priest has since been reunited with his family, while security agencies confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its determination to intensify operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East region.
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