The Nigerian Army has launched a search and rescue operation after a 40-year-old man, Mr. Bright Ochinachi, escaped from kidnappers den after being abducted along the busy Umuahia–Aba road in Abia State.
Captain Mazinho Attah, Assistant Director Army Public Relations
14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State disclosed this in a statement on Monday, March 23, 2026.
According to the victim, he was abducted on March 15, 2026, by unidentified gunmen who also stole his vehicle.
He said the incident occurred along the road linking Umuahia and Aba, a route that has seen intermittent security concerns in recent times.
Following his escape, he reported the incident to Nigerian Army personnel stationed in the Isiala Ngwa area.
Troops acting swiftly on the report, accompanied by the victim, launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in the general areas of Uratta and Umuchima Forest to locate the criminals and recover the stolen vehicle.
Meanwhile, efforts are still ongoing by troops to track down the perpetrators and prevent further incidents along the corridor.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to authorities.
“The incident uncovers the challenges posed by the ongoing security issues in parts of South-Eastern Nigeria, even as the Nigerian Army intensifies operations to safeguard lives and property within the region,” the statement added.
