Army rescues victims, apprehends suspects in Imo, Enugu, Cross River operations

Troops of the Nigerian Army on Friday rescued four victims, apprehended six suspects and recovered cash and operational items in separate security operations in Imo, Cross River and Enugu states.

This is contained in an operational update from 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria Abuja on Saturday.

The report said that the operations were conducted between Friday and Saturday  following credible intelligence on kidnapping and criminal activities.

In Imo, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, Forward Operating Base, FOB, Izombe, in conjunction with local security outfit, rescued three kidnapped victims along the Oguta–Owerri road in Oguta Local Government Area.

According to the report, troops trailed the kidnappers to their hideout in Okohia Umueju forest, where four victims were found in captivity.

It added that while three victims were rescued, one victim was killed by the kidnappers while attempting to escape.

“Troops engaged the criminals, forcing them to flee in disarray and abandon the victims.

“Items recovered include N987,500 cash, suspected to be ransom proceeds, as well as five mobile phones and two power banks.

“In a related development in Cross River, troops foiled a kidnapping incident at an election venue in Yakurr Local Government Area, rescuing one abducted INEC official.

“Two groups of suspected kidnappers had stormed the venue at a hotel in Ekori during a political party primary election.

“One group, operating in a Toyota Corolla with registration number ABJ 810HL, abducted the INEC Returning Officer and forced the victim to transfer N70,000, while another group on motorcycles carted away ballot boxes,” it said.

The report added that troops swiftly mobilised, intercepted the vehicle, rescued the victim, and arrested three suspects.

One armed suspect escaped into the bush with a bag containing a mobile phone, ATM card and election materials, while the second group fled with the ballot boxes.

The rescued official, arrested suspects and recovered vehicle were in military custody, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals.

“In Enugu State, under Operation Eastern Sanity II, troops conducted a raid at Achi Town in Oji River Local Government Area, following intelligence on a house allegedly used by cultists.

“The operation led to the recovery of eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder, while three suspects, including an 85-year-old man and two women aged 26 and 29, were arrested,” the report said.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities in the South-East and adjoining areas.