In a daring operation, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims in Obajana, Kogi state. The rescue operation, conducted in the early hours of thursday, was completed without any casualties to the troops.
The commander of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, who is also the Force Commander Operation Accord III, made the announcement to newsmen in Obajana. Represented by the Commanding Officer 126 Battalion, Lt Col. Francis Nwoffiah, he credited the operation’s success to “intelligent reporting and gathering,” highlighting the crucial role of information in combating crime.
The successful rescue of the victims underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led security operations in tackling kidnapping and ensuring the safety of citizens in the state.
The commander said the team was able to track down the kidnappers to a location in the forest, where they were keeping the victims.
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 them that efforts were 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the six victims comprised four males and two females.
A victim, Malam 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 prayed.
