By Sumaila Ogbaje
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Kogi, while sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in its latest operational update covering Aug. 15 and Aug. 16, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday.
In Kogi, the troops of 21 Battalion rescued 13 victims abducted along the Alloma-Ejule Road in Ofu Local Government Area.
The troops had launched a search-and-rescue operation after the victims were abducted on Aug. 11.
The operation covered the Emeweopada-Abocho axis in Dekina Local Government Area, where sustained military pressure forced the kidnappers to flee.
“The victims were subsequently released and taken to the palace of the Onu Abocho for further action.
“In another incident in Ofu, troops responding to a suspected kidnapping attack along the Ochadamu-Okabo Road rescued a pregnant woman abandoned by kidnappers.
“The troops had discovered that four civilians, including the pregnant woman, were abducted by the criminals.
“The kidnappers abandoned the woman and fled after sighting the advancing troops from a distance.
“The rescued woman was subsequently reunited with her family,” the report said.
In Plateau, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to a report of the kidnapping of two civilians at Nhantina Village in Bokkos Local Government Area.
The troops discovered one of the victims with gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by the kidnappers.
The injured victim was evacuated to Bokkos Cottage Hospital for medical attention, while troops continued pursuit of the abductors.
“Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested another suspect linked to a notorious arms and explosives dealer in Zamfara.
“The development followed the Aug. 14 arrest of the arms dealer while transporting 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives along the Kaura-Zurmi Road in Zurmi Local Government Area.
“Based on information obtained from the suspect, troops of 1 Military Intelligence Regiment arrested another suspect at the Gusau Central Motor Park on Aug. 15,” the report said.
In Sokoto, troops responding to a terrorist attack at Jijira Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area forced the attackers to flee into nearby bushes.
According to the report, troops have begun efforts to track the fleeing terrorists, rescue the abducted persons and recover the rustled livestock.
“Troops also foiled an attack by suspected armed militias targeting Murish Community in Mangu Local Government Area.
“Troops responded to reports of sporadic shooting, forcing the suspected militias to withdraw from the area.
“They subsequently dominated the area to deny the criminal elements freedom of action,” it added.
The latest operations underscored the military’s continued focus on disrupting kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities while supporting efforts to restore peace in affected communities. (NAN)
