Troops Rescue 14 Kidnapped Victims in Joint Raid on Orokam Forest
By Idun Maximus
The Nigerian Army said at the weekend that troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force South East, commonly called Operation UDO KA, have rescued 14 kidnapped persons during a high-intensity raid on criminal hideout in the Orokam Forest corridor linking Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.
The Army said the successful operation was conducted after the military received credible intelligence from community sources.
It was learnt that a combined team of troops and vigilante operatives advanced on the hideout, prompting a gun battle after the suspected kidnappers opened fire.
According to military authorities, the kidnappers were forced to flee after coming under heavy pressure from the troops’ superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres. The victims were subsequently secured unharmed.
Initial investigations indicated that the abducted persons were seized at the weekend while returning from a burial and were being held in dispersed locations within the forest. They were reportedly taken from Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.
All 14 victims have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in Udenu for profiling and arrangements for reunification with their families.
The Nigerian Army said troops will continue to maintain an aggressive posture across the operational theatre, stressing its determination to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security in the South East region.
