Army rescues kidnapped victims, neutralises suspects in Edo

Army rescues kidnapped victims, neutralises suspects in Edo

Abdullateef Fowewe

The troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued kidnapped victims and neutralised suspected kidnappers during an operation in Edo State.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Nigerian Army on Friday.

Nigerian army in an operation that was described as a series of well-coordinated counter-terrorism across the country in collaboration with vigilante forces resulted in the neutralisation of two kidnappers and one terrorist, the rescue of a hostage, and the recovery of a cache of arms and other assorted items in Edo State.

The statement reads, “In Edo State, troops swiftly responded to a distress call reporting the kidnap of Mr Eritobor Stephen in Ekowe Community, Ovia South Local Government Area on Wednesday, 24 July 2024. Troops on sighting the kidnappers engaged them in a gun battle, neutralizing two of the kidnappers, while others took to their heels, fleeing towards the border between Edo and Ondo states.

“Unknown to the fleeing kidnappers, troops in Ondo State were alerted of their movement, prompting them to lay an ambush along the escape route for the fleeing kidnappers.

“The effort led to the arrest of the kidnappers around Akotogbo in Ese Odo Local Government Area.

The gallant troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, an AK-47 rifle magazine, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two wraps of substance suspected to be marijuana.”