By Stephen Adeleye.
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja,Kogi state , north central Nigeria,in a coordinated operation with other security agencies, have rescued six kidnapped victims from their abductors in Obajana, Kogi State.
Our correspondent reports that the successful pre-dawn operation on Thursday was carried out without any casualties among the troops.
Briefing journalists in Obajana, the Commander of 12 Brigade and Force Commander of Operation Accord III, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, represented by the Commanding Officer, 126 Battalion, Lt-Col. Francis Nwoffiah,said the rescue was made possible through intelligence gathering and prompt action.
According to him, the joint security team tracked the kidnappers to their hideout deep in the forest, where they encountered the criminals in a gun battle.
The bandits, overwhelmed by superior firepower, fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning their captives and some items, including ammunition, the added.
“The rescued victims comprise four men and two women. They include the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community, Okehi Local Government Area, abducted from his residence.
“Four were kidnapped on August 12 in Asinwe community, while two were taken on July 28 in Apata community, Lokoja. All were rescued unhurt and will be reunited with their families after medical checks,” he said.
Brig.-Gen. Sidi,who warned bandits and kidnappers operating in Kogi and surrounding states to abandon their criminal activities or face decisive military action,commended the troops and security agencies involved for their bravery and professionalism.
One of the freed victims, Mallam Adamu Zage, the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community, expressed gratitude to the army and other security agencies for their intervention.
“May Almighty God continue to protect and strengthen the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies,” Zage prayed.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
