Troops deal blow to kidnappers, rescue 15 victims, arrest two

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 15 kidnapped victims and arrested two suspected kidnappers during separate operations conducted across Edo, Kaduna, Benue and Kogi states.

The operations, carried out on October 1 and 2, were part of ongoing efforts by the military to disrupt kidnapping activities and protect communities and travellers, according to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

In Edo State, troops of the 195 Battalion rescued three kidnap victims after responding to an incident along the Ekor-Ikakumo road in Akoko-Edo. The soldiers reportedly traced the kidnappers’ withdrawal route and recovered the victims, including the driver of a passenger bus travelling from Makurdi to Ibadan.

Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace, also foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Godogodo-Gidan Waya road in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The intervention forced the attackers to abandon a victim who had sustained gunshot wounds before fleeing the area. The victim was subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital, Gidan Waya, for medical treatment, while security personnel continued efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.

In another operation in Kaduna, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers at Makasa Village in Sanga Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued six kidnapped victims during separate operations in Benue and Kogi states.

In Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue, troops responding to reports of kidnapping activities at Gbise engaged the criminals, forcing them to retreat and abandon three victims.

In Kogi State, troops working alongside local vigilantes rescued three kidnapped herders at Agbadu Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly fled following the military intervention, leaving the victims and 21 cattle behind.

The military also recorded a separate recovery operation in Rivers State, where troops of the 16 Brigade, supported by the 5 Battalion, discovered 60 sacks containing approximately 3,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and a drum at Ogbogolo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

The recovered items were handled in accordance with established regulations, according to the operational report.

The latest operations underscore the military’s continued deployment of troops and collaboration with local security networks to disrupt criminal activities, rescue victims and recover suspected proceeds or materials associated with illegal operations.