Troops storm Kogi forest, rescue Seriki Fulani, 5 others from kidnappers

By Stephen Adeleye

The Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State was among the six people rescued by troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies in Obajana area of the state in the early hour of Tuesday.

Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Accord III told journalists that the six kidnapped victims were rescued in a daring rescue operation without any casualty on the part of the troops.

According to him, the rescue operation was made possible through intelligent reporting and gathering.

Sidi, represented by the Commanding Officer 126 Battalion, Lt Col. Francis Nwoffiah, said the troops, in collaboration with other security agencies conducted the rescue operations.

The commander said the team was able to track down the kidnappers to a location in the forest, where they were keeping the victims.

He said the kidnappers fled with injuries after encountering superior firepower from the troops, abandoning their victims and some of their belongings, including ammunition.

“The rescued victims include the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community in Okehi Local Government Area, who was abducted from his residence.

“Four of the victims were kidnapped on August 12 in Asinwe community, while two were abducted on July 28 in Apata community, Lokoja.

“The victims were successfully rescued unhurt and are set to be reunited with their families after receiving medical attention,” he said.

The commander warned bandits and kidnappers in Kogi State and its environs to quit or face their waterloo, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to scale-up military operations within Kogi and its boundary states.

He commended the troops and other security agents for their bravery and professionalism in conducting the rescue operation.

The six victims comprised four males and two females.

A victim, Malam Adamu Zage, the Seriki Fulani, Asinwe community, commended the troops for coming to their aid.

He expressed gratitude to God for their rescue and praised the bravery of the troops.

“May God Almighty continue to help and protect the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies,” Zage prayed.

(NAN)