Troops of the 2 Division Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnap victim and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an intelligence-driven operation in Kogi State.
The operation, which further disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers operating in the area, was conducted by troops deployed at Patrol Base Obajana following the escape of a 28-year-old man from his abductors.
This was confirmed in a statement by the Nigerian Army and shared on its Facebook page on Monday.
According to the statement, the victim had been held captive for about five weeks after he was abducted from the Abaji general area of the Federal Capital Territory.
It was gathered that after escaping from captivity, the victim encountered troops and provided information on the location where he was allegedly held by the kidnappers.
Acting on the information, the troops immediately mobilised to the identified location.
However, the suspected criminals reportedly fled into the surrounding terrain after sighting the advancing soldiers.
During a subsequent search of the area, the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle allegedly abandoned by the fleeing kidnappers.
The army stated that the rescued victim was evacuated to the troops’ medical facility, where he is currently receiving appropriate medical attention.
The Nigerian Army said the operation demonstrated the importance of timely intelligence and proactive military action in disrupting kidnapping networks and protecting vulnerable communities.
Troops have continued exploitation operations in the area in an effort to track the fleeing suspects, recover additional weapons and dismantle the criminal network believed to be operating in the area.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security forces in locating criminal hideouts and preventing attacks.
The latest operation adds to ongoing efforts by security forces to deny criminal elements safe havens and restore lasting peace and security across Kogi State and other parts of the country.