Troops conducting ‘Exercise Golden Dawn’ under Sector 3 have foiled an attempted kidnap of Augustine Ukwuoma at the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat at Orlu in Imo.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Nwachukwu said that troops, in response to a distress call at about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, swiftly moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels.

He added the bishop, his secretary, and assistant secretary were safe and unhurt.

The army spokesman also disclosed that 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-East.

He added that the troops had remained resolute in ensuring the coming election in Anambra was safely conducted as well as the yuletide season.

“Members of the public are advised to report the suspicious movement of criminals as well as hideouts 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,” he said.