Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have successfully rescued 14 kidnap victims from the Orokam forest in Enugu State after a fierce exchange of gunfire with armed criminals.
Orokam forest lies between Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo in Benue State, making it a known corridor for criminal activities.
According to the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Col. Appolonia Anele, the rescue operation was triggered by credible intelligence provided by vigilant members of the community.
“Acting swiftly, troops working in concert with local vigilante mounted a deliberate assault on a suspected kidnap hideout concealed deep in the forest. On contact, the criminals unleashed gunfire, prompting a fierce engagement.
“The joint force’s superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and relentless advance forced the kidnappers to break contact and flee, abandoning the abductees,” she said.
Anele revealed that the victims were kidnapped over the weekend while returning from a burial and were being held in clusters dispersed across the forest.
“Intelligence further indicated that the victims were abducted from two separate communities: Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.
“All rescued persons have been formally handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Udenu Division, for proper profiling and subsequent reunification with their families.
“Nigerian Army troops continue to maintain aggressive battlespace dominance across the theatre of operations general area, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to neutralise all threats and uphold peace and security throughout the South East,” she added.
