Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, in coordination with other security agencies, have successfully rescued Rev. Johnson Anayo Onugwu, an Anglican priest abducted in Enugu State, while eliminating one of his kidnappers in a daring operation.
The priest was seized from his home in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area, around 1:00 a.m. on January 29, 2026, by armed assailants. Acting on timely intelligence, soldiers from the 82 Division Garrison swiftly deployed to the area, tracking the kidnappers to the Itabolo vicinity.
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A gun battle ensued at Okpakeke community, resulting in the safe recovery of the cleric and the death of one kidnapper. Security personnel fired 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, sustaining no injuries during the engagement. Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the scene.
The rescued priest has been reunited with his family, and military and law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to apprehend remaining members of the criminal network.
