In a significant development in the fight against insecurity, troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued five individuals abducted by bandits during an operation in Kogi State. The operation also led to the grim discovery of decomposing bodies believed to be other kidnap victims.
Operation Based on Credible Intelligence
The successful mission was launched on Thursday following actionable intelligence received by the military. Troops from the Obajana and Kabba patrol bases mobilized and projected a fighting patrol to Ankomi village, located in the Adankolo general area of Lokoja Local Government Area.
Upon reaching the village, the soldiers found it destroyed and abandoned, indicating it had previously served as a hideout for criminal elements. The bandits had fled before the troops' arrival.
Rescue and a Grim Discovery
Undeterred, the troops extended their search to the river line. It was there they intercepted and secured three women and two children. Preliminary debriefing confirmed that these individuals were victims of the recent Ayetoro Kiri kidnap incident.
In a further, more somber exploration of the area, the patrol made a distressing find. They discovered two decomposing bodies, suspected to be those of previously abducted persons. The military source confirmed that one corpse, identified as a woman, was successfully evacuated. Recovery efforts for the second body were ongoing at the time of the report.
Aftermath and Ongoing Operations
The five rescued victims are currently receiving necessary medical attention at Fisayo Hospital in Obajana. Meanwhile, the body of the deceased woman has been deposited at the St. Joseph Mortuary in Kabba, Kogi State.
Debriefing of the rescued persons is continuing, with the military hoping the information gathered will aid in efforts to locate and free other abductees still in captivity. The source described the general security situation in the area as "calm but unpredictable."
Despite the challenges, troops' morale and operational efficiency remain high. Clearance and rescue operations are ongoing as the Nigerian Army intensifies its campaign against kidnappers and bandits in the region.
