Troops of the Nigerian Army under 82 Division Garrison have rescued 12 kidnapped victims in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.
A credible Army Headquarters source told the News Agency of Nigeria that the rescue followed a distress call received on Thursday over the abduction of residents of Ette Community.
He said the troops, in collaboration with local security outfits including Keystone operatives, Forest Guards and the Neighbourhood Watch, swiftly mobilised to the area and launched a fighting patrol to track the kidnappers.
According to him, on sighting the troops, the kidnappers fled into a nearby forest after a brief engagement, abandoning their captives.
“During exploitation of the area, the troops successfully rescued all 12 victims, who were later handed over to the police for debriefing and subsequent reunion with their families.
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“The troops also arrested two suspects linked to the kidnapping incident, who are currently in police custody for further investigation,” he said.
The sources said the situation in the area remains calm as security agencies continue surveillance operations to track down the fleeing suspects.
Security operatives have since intensified patrols around Ette community and neighbouring areas to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Residents were also advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the authorities.
Local leaders in the community commended the swift response of the troops and other security agencies, describing the rescue operation as timely and reassuring for residents who had been gripped by fear following the abduction.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations across the region to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of lives and property.
Medical personnel were also said to have examined the rescued victims to ascertain their health condition after the ordeal in captivity. None of them was reported to have sustained life-threatening injuries.
Security sources added that preliminary interrogation of the arrested suspects was ongoing, with efforts being made to obtain useful information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the gang.
Authorities urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible intelligence, noting that community support remained crucial in tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
NAN
