In a decisive security operation, Nigerian military forces have successfully freed fourteen individuals who were being held captive by suspected kidnappers in a forest spanning two states.
Coordinated Operation Based on Credible Intelligence
The rescue mission was executed by troops from the Joint Task Force Sector One, operating under Operation Udo Ka (OPUK). They acted in partnership with personnel from the local Neighbourhood Watch vigilante group. The operation was launched on Friday at approximately 1:30 p.m. after the military received actionable intelligence from community members. The tip-off indicated that a suspected kidnappers' den was active within the dense Orokam Forest.
This forest area serves as a border between Udenu Local Government Area in Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area in Benue State. Upon receiving the information, troops stationed in Udenu LGA immediately mobilized and moved to the identified location with the vigilante team.
Firefight and Swift Rescue
As the joint security team closed in on the criminals' hideout, the kidnappers opened fire in an attempt to repel the advance. The troops and vigilantes responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee the scene in confusion. In their haste to escape, the kidnappers abandoned their captives.
All fourteen abducted persons were rescued unharmed. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were seized from two separate communities over the preceding weekend. They were kidnapped while returning from a burial ceremony. The affected communities are Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.
Aftermath and Continued Vigilance
Following their rescue, the victims were taken into care and later handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Udenu Division. The police will facilitate the process of reuniting them with their anxious families.
The military disclosed that 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were expended during the intense engagement. The joint team concluded the operation and returned safely to their base by about 7:21 p.m. on the same day, without sustaining any casualties.
In a statement, the Army noted that troops have now intensified patrols and surveillance in the general area. This increased security presence aims to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate and prevent future kidnappings along the interstate border.
