Joint security forces have rescued 34 kidnapped victims, neutralised one kidnapper and recovered ₦1.5 million in separate operations in Zamfara and Edo states, the Nigerian Army said.
In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, working with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, rescued 33 passengers in Tsafe Local Government Area after receiving intelligence that terrorists had abducted travellers around the Magazu area.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, said the troops quickly mobilised to the area and encountered the terrorists as they were moving the victims to an unknown destination.
According to Danja, the troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the abducted passengers and flee into nearby bushes.
“The troops then secured and rescued all 33 abducted persons,” Danja said.
He added that troops subsequently conducted an extensive search of the area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, saying the operation resulted in the safe rescue of all the victims without casualties.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians, restricting the activities of terrorists and securing major transportation routes across the North-West.
In Edo State, troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, working with the police, rescued a 50-year-old man who had been kidnapped in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area.
The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu, said security forces used information obtained during ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location at Onogholo in Esan South East.
The troops engaged the kidnappers when one of them arrived to collect the ransom. One kidnapper was killed during the encounter, while other members of the gang fled into the surrounding forest, abandoning the victim.
The victim was rescued unharmed, while security forces recovered ₦1.5 million that had been intended as ransom payment.
A preliminary debriefing and medical assessment were conducted before the victim was handed over to his family. He was confirmed to be in stable condition.
The Commander of 4 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their courage, proactiveness and professionalism during the operation.
The latest operations highlight continued efforts by Nigerian security agencies to disrupt kidnapping networks and protect civilians along major transportation routes.
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