Troops of the Nigerian Army Joint Task Force Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation at Orokam Forest, a border area linking Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to intelligence sources quoted by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on Saturday, the operation was conducted on Friday, following credible intelligence from locals indicating the presence of a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest.
It was gathered that the troops deployed in Udenu LGA swiftly mobilised to the location alongside vigilante personnel of the Neighbourhood Watch.
“While approaching the hideout, the criminals opened fire on the troops.
“The joint team responded with a high volume of fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee in disarray and abandon the kidnapped victims,” a source said.
First Daily correspondent learnt that 14 abducted persons, who were returning from a burial ceremony over the weekend, were rescued unhurt.
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Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted from two separate communities Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.
A senior military source in 82 division army barracks, Enugu who spoke to First Daily correspondent on condition of anonymity said that the victims were subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Udenu Division, for onward reunification with their families.
Troops had intensified monitoring of the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
