By Segun Oyenibi
In a bold and coordinated operation, troops of the Twelfth Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, successfully rescued six kidnapped victims in Obajana, Kogi State.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters, Lokoja, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the operation was launched in the early hours of Thursday following credible intelligence on the victims’ location.
The troops tracked the kidnappers to a forest hideout, where they engaged them with superior firepower, and all six victims were rescued unharmed.
It says the kidnappers, confronted with the advancing forces, fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning their captives along with ammunition and other items.
The statement revealed that four of the victims were abducted on August twelfth in Asinwe community, Okehi Local Government Area, while two others were kidnapped on July twenty-eight in Apata community, Lokoja Local Government Area.
Among those rescued was the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe, Mallam Adamu Zage, who was taken from his residence.
Commander of the Twelfth Brigade and Force Commander of Operation Accord III, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, represented by the Commanding Officer of the One, Two, and Six Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Francis Nwoffiah, commended the professionalism of the troops and their partners.
He issued a stern warning to kidnappers and bandits operating in Kogi and surrounding areas to desist or face decisive military action.
He also assured the public that the Nigerian Army would continue to intensify operations across Kogi and neighboring states to deny criminals any safe haven.
Speaking on behalf of the victims: four males and two females- Mallam Zage expressed gratitude to God and the security agencies for their timely intervention.
The rescued individuals have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for medical evaluation and further action.
Edited by Ainoko Ajifa
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