Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lokoja, in collaboration with other security agencies, have rescued the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community in Okehi Local Government Area and five others from kidnappers in Obajana, Kogi State.
The victims, comprising four males and two females, were rescued in the early hours of Thursday during a coordinated operation that recorded no casualty among the troops.
Addressing newsmen in Obajana, Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Accord III, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, represented by the Commanding Officer 126 Battalion, Lt Col. Francis Nwoffiah, said the operation was made possible through intelligent reporting and gathering.
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He explained that the troops, working with other security agencies, tracked the kidnappers to a location in the forest where they were keeping the victims.
“The kidnappers fled with injuries after encountering superior firepower from the troops, abandoning their victims and some belongings, including ammunition,” he said.
According to him, four of the victims were abducted on August 12 in Asinwe community, while two others were kidnapped on July 28 in Apata community, Lokoja.
“The victims were successfully rescued unhurt and are set to be reunited with their families after receiving medical attention,” he added.
The Commander warned bandits and kidnappers in Kogi State and surrounding areas to quit or face their waterloo, assuring that efforts are ongoing to intensify military operations within Kogi and its boundary states.
He commended the troops and other security operatives for their bravery and professionalism during the rescue.
One of the rescued victims, Mallam Adamu Zage, the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community, expressed gratitude for their release.
“May God Almighty continue to help and protect the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies,” he said.
