In a swift and coordinated operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), have rescued 14 kidnapped victims from a criminal hideout inside Orokam Forest, a border axis between Udenu LGA in Enugu State and Ogbadigbo LGA in Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue mission took place around 1:30 p.m. on Friday after troops received “credible intelligence from locals” who reported suspicious movements deep inside the forest.
According to one of the security sources, soldiers stationed in Udenu quickly mobilised and teamed up with members of the Neighbourhood Watch before advancing on the hideout.
“While approaching the hideout, the criminals opened fire on the troops.
The joint team responded with a high volume of fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee in disarray and abandon the kidnapped victims,” the source said.
The 14 freed victims were said to be returning from a burial when they were ambushed and abducted. Preliminary findings showed they were taken from two communities — Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.
The source confirmed that all the victims were rescued unhurt and immediately handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Udenu Division, for documentation and reunion with their families.
During the operation, troops reportedly expended 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition before returning to base at about 7:21 p.m. without any casualty.
Security sources added that troops have since intensified surveillance around the area “to deny criminal elements freedom of action.”
