Troops of the Joint Task Force Southeast (JTF SE) under Operation UDO KA successfully rescued five travelers during a swift night operation following reports of a suspected attack along the 9th Mile axis in the 82 Division Area of Responsibility.

The distress call, received around 6:55 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, indicated a potential IPOB/ESN assault targeting commuters en route to Anambra State. Responding immediately, the JTF SE mobilized rapidly to the scene, engaging the armed assailants with coordinated maneuvers and superior firepower. The prompt action forced the attackers to abandon their captives and retreat.

In an official statement shared via its verified X account on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Nigerian Army confirmed that all five victims were rescued unharmed, and their vehicle was recovered intact. Following the operation, troops intensified area patrols and maintained control to prevent any regrouping of hostile elements and to track fleeing suspects.

The Army emphasized that this proactive approach has reinforced public confidence, reassured commuters, and significantly weakened the operational capabilities of criminal and terrorist actors in the region.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, securing vital transportation routes, and dismantling networks of terrorism and organized crime across the Southeast.

Authorities encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and accurate information to security agencies, stressing that collective vigilance and cooperation are essential for sustaining peace, stability, and security throughout the area.