Following the escape of a 40-year-old man, Mr. Bright Ochinachi, from kidnappers’ den in Umuahia–Aba road in Abia State, the Nigerian Army said it has launched a search and rescue operation for the victim’s vehicle stolen by the suspected criminals, and to arrest the suspects.

 

 

Captain Mazinho Attah, Assistant Director Army Public Relations 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, in a statement said the man 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.

 

 

After his escape, he reported the incident to Nigerian Army personnel stationed in the Isiala Ngwa area, and 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.

 

It said efforts are still ongoing by troops to track down the perpetrators and prevent further incidents along the corridor.

 

It appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to authorities.