Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force, Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), have rescued 14 kidnapped persons during an operation in Orokam Forest, a border area between Udenu LGA in Enugu State and Ogbadigbo LGA in Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the mission was launched around 1:30 p.m. on Friday following credible intelligence from residents who identified a suspected kidnappers’ hideout inside the forest.
According to one of the sources, soldiers deployed in Udenu moved to the location alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch.
“While approaching the hideout, the criminals opened fire on the troops. The joint team responded with a high volume of fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee in disarray and abandon the kidnapped victims,” the source said.
The sources confirmed that all 14 victims, abducted while returning from a burial over the weekend, were rescued unhurt.
Preliminary findings revealed that the victims were taken from two communities, Ezimo Agu in Enugu State and Orokam in Benue State.
They were later handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division for reunification with their families.
According to the source, troops fired 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the gun duel and returned to base at about 7:21 p.m. without any casualty.
The sources added that security personnel have intensified surveillance in the area to prevent criminal groups from regrouping.