Army Rescues Kidnapped Lieutenant Colonel, Civilian In Enugu

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnapped senior officer and a civilian after a 10-day search operation in Enugu State.

The rescued victims were identified as Lt.-Col. Ofor Amobi and Ikechukwu Onwuanra. Military accounts reported by Punch and Vanguard said they were found in the early hours of Friday after sustained pressure on their abductors.

The operation involved troops of Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, including personnel from the 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion (Reinforced), the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and the 197 Special Forces Battalion.

The search covered Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests and communities in Oji River Local Government Area. Troops reportedly moved after intelligence from the Divisional Police Officer in Inyi at about 2:00 a.m. on Friday.

The victims were found abandoned at the edge of a forest in Inyi. Both had gunshot wounds and were evacuated to the 82 Division Medical Hospital for treatment and medical evaluation.

Preliminary questioning showed that the victims had been blindfolded, moved to an unknown location and later abandoned in a forest around the Enugu-Anambra border.

The military said follow-up operations would continue in the surrounding communities and forest routes. It also urged residents to keep sharing credible information with security agencies as troops search for members of the kidnap group.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard