…”the victims were rescued on Friday after troops, working alongside a local vigilance group, raided the kidnappers’ hideout following credible intelligence”.
ENUGU, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have freed 14 kidnapped victims during a clearance mission in Orokam Forest, which lies between Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo in Benue State.
A reliable military source informed the Newsmen on Saturday that the victims were abducted while returning from a burial earlier in the week.
He said the victims were rescued on Friday after troops, working alongside a local vigilance group, raided the kidnappers’ hideout following credible intelligence.
The source disclosed that the kidnappers opened fire as the team closed in, but they were subdued by the troops’ superior firepower, causing them to flee and abandon the hostages.
He explained that initial investigations revealed the victims were abducted from two communities, Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue, and were being held at separate spots within the dense forest.
According to him, the rescued individuals have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division for profiling and eventual reunification with their families.
He added that troops have intensified patrols across the area to restrict criminal activities.
The source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s steadfast commitment to sustaining ongoing operations nationwide to ensure the safety of citizens. (NAN)
