Six abducted victims have been freed in Obajana, Kogi State, thanks to the efforts of troops from 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lokoja and other security agencies.
The victims were successfully rescued during the operation, which took place early on Thursday, and no troops were hurt.
Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, Commander of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Accord III, told reporters in Obajana on Thursday that the rescue effort was made feasible by astute reporting and information collecting.
According to Sidi, who was represented by Lt Col. Francis Nwoffiah, the Commanding Officer of 126 Battalion, the troops worked with other security agencies to find the kidnappers and bring them to a place in the jungle where they were holding the victims.
He claimed that after coming across the military’ superior firepower, the kidnappers escaped with injuries, leaving behind their hostages and some of their possessions, such as ammo.
Seriki Fulani of the Asinwe community in the Okehi Local Government Area, who was kidnapped from his home, is one of the rescued victims.
Two victims were kidnapped on July 28 in Apata community, Lokoja, while four victims were abducted on August 12 in Asinwe community.
He stated, “The victims were successfully rescued without any injuries and will soon be reunited with their families following medical treatment.”
“Efforts are underway to scale up military operations within Kogi and its boundary states,” the Commander said, warning bandits and kidnappers in Kogi State and its surroundings to surrender or face their waterloo.
He gave the military and other security personnel high marks for their professionalism and bravery in carrying out the rescue mission.
Two women and four men made up the six casualties.
Mallam Adamu Zage, a victim from the Seriki Fulani, Asinwe community, praised the army for helping them.
He gave thanks to God for saving them and commended the troops’ valor.
Zage prayed that the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security forces would continue to receive assistance and protection from God Almighty.
