Troops attached to the Joint Task Force South-East have successfully rescued five passengers after responding to a reported kidnapping incident along the 9th Mile axis within the 82 Division operational area in Enugu State.

A statement released by the military on Friday disclosed that security forces received a distress call at about 6:55 p.m. indicating that suspected members of the IPOB/ESN group had attacked commuters heading toward Anambra State.

Acting on the information, personnel were quickly deployed to the location, where they engaged the armed suspects in a confrontation using superior tactics and firepower. The pressure from the troops forced the attackers to flee the scene, abandoning the abducted travellers.

The five victims were rescued unharmed, and their vehicle was recovered intact, according to the statement.

Authorities said follow-up patrols were intensified in the surrounding areas to pursue the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activity. The military described the operation as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen security, protect major routes, and curb the activities of armed groups in the region.

The statement further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation is essential in maintaining peace and stability across the South-East.