Joint military troops have rescued 15 kidnapped victims during coordinated security operations across the South-East, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed.
The rescues were carried out under Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, between December 3 and December 12, 2025, as part of sustained efforts to curb kidnapping and criminal activities in the region.
Confirming the development on Monday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the victims were freed during offensive operations in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State, Ikang Local Government Area of Cross River State and Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to him, troops also raided a suspected local weapons fabrication workshop in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The facility was allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Major General Onoja said the operation led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, as well as tools used for weapon servicing and fabrication.
The DHQ further disclosed that 11 illegal immigrants apprehended during the operations were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for necessary action.
He explained that the operations form part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and deny criminal elements freedom of movement across the South-East.
Onoja added that troops would continue to maintain operational pressure to ensure the safety of lives and property in the region.
