Troops of the Nigerian Army conducting Exercise Golden Dawn, have foiled a kidnap attempt on the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, in Imo state, Most Reverend Augustine Ukwuoma.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops got a distress call on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at about 2:30am. The suspected kidnappers fled when the troops arrived, abandoning their planned mission of kidnapping and robbery.
The statement read;
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.
Troops will 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 within the sector 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 hide outs 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.
