ORLU — Troops conducting Exercise Golden Dawn under Sector 3 on Sunday have foiled an attempted kidnap and robbery of Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma at the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat at Orlu in Imo State.
In the statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said troops in response to a distress call at about 2:30am on Sunday swiftly moved to the scene, forcing the assailants to take to their heels.
Nwachukwu said the Bishop, his Secretary and Assistant Secretary were safe and unhurt, added that the troops had remained resolute in ensuring the coming election in Anambra State was safely conducted as well as the yuletide season.
The statement read in part: “Troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3 have foiled an attempted kidnap and robbery of Most Reverend Augustine Ukwuoma at the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, BSC Road, Orlu Imo State.
“The troops in response to a distress call at about 2:30am on Sunday 31 October 2021, swiftly moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels thereby abandoning their mission. The Bishop, his Secretary, and Assistant Secretary are safe and unhurt.
“The Nigerian Army troops would continue to deny freedom of action to members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) and other criminal gangs operating in the South West especially as the elections in Anambra State draws nearer and during the yuletide season.
“Members of the public are advised to report suspicious movement of criminals as well as hideouts of the outlawed IPOB/ESN to law enforcement agencies as the group is only out to intimidate, steal and kidnap law-abiding citizens for ransom.”
