From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Joint Military Forces comprising of 401 Special Forces Brigade, Operation Whirl Stroke and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards have rescued 9 commuters, who were kidnapped along Oukpa — Enugu road.
The troops it was learnt acted on information and swiftly deployed its men to Orokam in Ogbadibo local government area of the state to conduct a search and rescue clearance operation in search of the kidnappers and the victims, who were abducted on the 14th January, 2024.
It also gathered that the troops on the second day of the operation, raided the forested areas along Otukpa – Enugu road and Adopi forest
Furthermore, the troops suddenly busted into the kidnappers den at Owukpa forest in Ogbadibo local government area where exchanged of gun duel ensued between the assailants and the troops but the kidnappers couldn’t stand the fire power of the Joint military troops and withdrew in dismay while one of the kidnappers was shot dead and an AK 47 riffle recovered form him.
According to investigation, 9 kidnapped commuters made up of 8 adults and one teenager were rescued unhurt, ans 11 mobile phones among other items were recovered from the kidnappers den.
Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General A. Rabiu described the success recorded by the Nigeria Army as commendable.
General Rabiu further assured that the Brigade under his watch will continue to do everything possible to ensure that all roads within Benue state remain free and safe to all travelers.
He tasked the soldiers to remain committed and dedicated to their duties with the aim of fighting criminal activities out of Benue state to reciprocate the tireless efforts of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja towards repositioning the Nigeria Army.
