Troops of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, March 6, extricated four kidnap victims abducted by a notorious gang of kidnappers in Edo State.
Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, March 7.
He said that the kidnappers had forcefully taken their captives, including a lady and three men into Ososo forest in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state, but were tracked and intercepted by the gallant troops, who engaged the criminals in a firefight and extricated the abductees.
“The troops apprehended one of the kidnappers, who is currently undergoing preliminary investigation and will be subsequently handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency.
“One of the rescued victims who suffered from shock and fatigue has been evacuated to a medical facility, where he is receiving treatment, while others have been handed over to their families,” Nwachukwu said.
Meanwhile, troops deployed to counterinsurgency in North West Nigeria on the same day successfully defended Damba Dikko village, a community in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which came under attack of marauding insurgents seeking to forcefully extort levies from the villagers.
“Responding to a distress call, vigilant troops swiftly stormed the village and engaged the insurgents in a gun duel, neutralising 2 of them and rescued two villagers held hostage by the insurgents,” Nwachukwu stated.
The Army spokesman added that the rescued villagers who suffered minor injuries have been given medical attention by Army paramedics.
“The Nigerian Army appreciates members of the public for their cooperation with troops and other security agencies in the fight against security challenges in the country and encourages them to continue to be vigilant and promptly report any suspected attempt to breach the security to relevant agencies.
“Together, we can restore peace and stability in our various communities, states and nation,” the statement further read.