‘How troops rescued 12 Enugu residents from kidnappers’

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Twelve people kidnapped in Ette Community Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State on Thursday were lucky as swift intervention of the troops prevented their abductors from taking them away.

The troops also arrested two of the suspected kidnappers.

Troops of the Nigerian Army under 82 Division Garrison working with other security operatives swiftly embarked on the rescue of the kidnapped victims following a distress call over the abduction of residents of Ette Community, according to an Army source.

The source 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.

“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.

(NAN)