Troops conducting Exercise Golden Dawn under Sector-3 have foiled an attempted kidnap and robbery of Most Reverend Augustine Ukwuoma at the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat at Orlu in Imo state.
Director, Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, who announced this in a statement in Abuja, said that troops in response to a distress call on Sunday, moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels.
He explained that the Bishop, his Secretary and Assistant Secretary were safe and unhurt.
Nwachukwu also assured that 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 in the South West.
He 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 spokesman however advised public 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.
