Soldiers rescue six kidnapped victims in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, in a joint operation with other security agencies, have rescued six kidnapped victims in Obajana, Kogi State.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, successfully freed the victims without any troop casualties.

Briefing journalists in Obajana, the Commander of the 12 Brigade and Force Commander of Operation Accord III, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi—represented by the Commanding Officer of the 126 Battalion, Lt. Col. Francis Nwoffiah—credited the success to effective intelligence gathering and reporting.

He explained that the security team was able to trace the kidnappers to a forest hideout where the victims were being held.

He said the kidnappers fled with injuries after encountering superior firepower from the troops, abandoning their victims and some of their belongings, including ammunition.

“The rescued victims include the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community in Okehi Local Government Area, who was abducted from his residence.

“Four of the victims were kidnapped on August 12 in Asinwe community, while two were abducted 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 said.

The Commander warned bandits and kidnappers in Kogi State and its environs to quit or face their waterloo, assuring that efforts are ongoing to scale-up military operations within Kogi and its boundary states.

He commended the troops and other security agents for their bravery and professionalism in conducting the rescue operation.

The six victims comprised four male and two female.

A victim, Mallam Adamu Zage, the Seriki Fulani, Asinwe community, commended the troops for coming to their aid.

He expressed gratitude to God for their rescue and praised the bravery of the troops.

“May God Almighty continue to help and protect the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies,” Zage said.

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