Troops rescue seven kidnap victims in Benue forest raid

Security agents have rescued seven kidnap victims from a suspected kidnappers’ enclave in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke carried out the operation with police personnel and local vigilantes around Amla-Icho, Ogobia and Anpekchi communities. Premium Times and Vanguard both reported the rescue from statements by the operation’s acting media information officer, Ahmad Zubairu.

The reports said the September 14 operation followed intelligence on suspected kidnappers operating in the area. Zubairu said the suspects fled when they sighted the security team and abandoned the victims.

The rescued victims were moved out of the area after troops secured the scene. Vanguard reported that a vehicle linked to the suspected kidnappers was recovered and handed over to the police for further action.

The operation’s command commended the troops, police and local vigilantes involved in the rescue. It also asked residents to keep giving timely information to security agencies.

Sources: Premium Times, Vanguard