Troops Rescue Fulani Community Leader, 5 Other Kidnap Victims In Kogi

Troops of 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Lokoja, in collaboration with other security agencies, have rescued six kidnap victims in Obajana area of Kogi State.

Recall that the Obajana axis in Kogi West Senatorial district of Kogi have become notorious for kidnapping and other violent crimes of recent, prompting the state government to declare a no ‘Safe Haven’ for the criminals terrorising the state.

However, the operation, which was conducted in the early hours on Thursday led to the successful rescue of the victims without any casualty on the part of the troops.

Addressing newsmen in Obajana, Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Accord III, Brig. Gen Kasim Sidi said the rescue operation was made possible through intelligent reporting and gathering.

The Commander, represented by the Commanding Officer 126 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Francis Nwoffiah said the troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, were able to track the kidnappers to a location in the forest, where they were keeping the victims.

He said the kidnappers fled with injuries after encountering superior firepower from the troops, abandoning their victims and some of their belongings, including ammunition.

“The six victims comprised four males and two females. The rescued victims include the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community in Okehi local government area, who was abducted from his residence.

“Four of the victims were kidnapped on August 12 in Asinwe community, while two were abducted on July 28 in Apata community, Lokoja.

“The victims were successfully rescued unhurt and are set to be reunited with their families after receiving medical attention,” he said.

The Commander warned bandits and kidnappers in Kogi State and its environs to quit or face the consequences, assuring that efforts were ongoing to scale-up military operations within Kogi and its boundary states.

He commended the troops and other security agents for their bravery and professionalism in conducting the rescue operation.

A victim, the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community, Mallam Adamu Zage commended the troops for coming to their rescue.

He expressed gratitude to God for their rescue and praised the bravery of the troops.

“May God Almighty continue to help and protect the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies,” Zage said.

In a renew onslaught against criminality in Kogi, the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ordered a crackdown on criminal elements in the state.

In July, the Kogi and Kwara Security Joint Forces also arrested 12 suspected kidnappers, 1 informant, while scores of victims were rescued during the operation.