Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims in joint operation
Story by Okafor Vivian
Troops of Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), in collaboration with local vigilante operatives, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation at the Orokam Forest axis spanning Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.
The rescue mission was launched following credible intelligence from residents, who reported suspicious activities linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating deep inside the forest. Acting on the tip-off, soldiers and members of the Neighbourhood Watch stormed the hideout on Friday afternoon.
Upon sighting the advancing security forces, the abductors opened fire, triggering a brief shootout. The criminals later fled, abandoning their captives as troops overpowered them. All 14 victims—men and women said to have been kidnapped while returning from a burial ceremony—were rescued unharmed.
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The rescued individuals were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in Udenu for profiling and subsequent reunification with their families.
Security patrols have since been intensified across the forest corridor to prevent the kidnappers from regrouping or launching further attacks. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating in the area.
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