NDLEA Commander Freed by Troops in Anambra as Military Foils Kidnap Gang

The Nigerian military has successfully rescued Daniel Onyishi, a senior officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who was abducted last month in Anambra State.

Onyishi regained his freedom on July 2 following a combined security operation carried out by troops of Operation Udoka and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The rescue took place during a targeted raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Idemili North Local Government Area. According to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, the operation led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Emeka Ede, Okwudili Aja, and Onyebuchi Aja. Intelligence gathered by security forces reportedly linked the trio to the abduction plot.

During the raid, troops recovered a stash of weapons, ammunition, and illicit drugs. These items are currently in military custody as authorities continue to interrogate the suspects. The rescue mission followed orders from the leadership of Operation Udoka and the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, to launch an aggressive effort to free the kidnapped officer.

In another update, the Defence Headquarters addressed concerns over the continued detention of community leaders from Okuama, Delta State. These individuals were arrested in 2024 in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers during a peacekeeping mission. Despite a recent court ruling directing the production of one of the detained leaders, Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, the military says it has not yet received a formal order to comply.

The Defence Headquarters named several other individuals still in custody, including Julius Oghoroko, Bernard Esegba, and Rita Akata. Tragically, Pa James Oghoroko, a former community leader, died in detention late last year, while Pa Dennis Okugbaye reportedly collapsed in custody and was hospitalized.

Military officials insisted that their actions are guided by legal processes and reiterated a commitment to following the rule of law. They noted that once a formal court order is served, their legal team will act accordingly.

On a broader front, Major General Kangye shared an overview of military achievements across various operational zones in the second quarter of 2025. He reported the arrest of 1,191 terrorists and the rescue of 543 kidnap victims nationwide. Additionally, 682 terrorists and their families reportedly surrendered to the military.

Several notorious terror leaders were neutralized during recent operations, including Amir Abu Fatimah, Salisu Mallam Jidda, and Nwachi Eze, also known as Onowu. The military also recovered weapons, destroyed camps, and disrupted logistics chains used by armed groups.

The Defence Headquarters said these efforts reflect ongoing nationwide campaigns aimed at restoring peace and dismantling criminal networks in troubled regions of the country.