Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a joint security operation in Igbonla, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The operation was carried out on Friday, September 4, by personnel of the Army’s 65 Battalion, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes.
The rescued victims were identified as Kelvin Okafor and Alex Anato. They were reportedly abducted while working on a farm in the Igbonla area.
The security operation followed credible intelligence concerning the victims’ abduction and their suspected location.
According to the Army, the joint team moved towards the area where the victims were being held. Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the suspected kidnappers reportedly fled into the surrounding forest, abandoning their captives.
The troops pursued the fleeing suspects, leading to an encounter in which one of the kidnappers was killed.
Two other suspects reportedly escaped further into the forest and remained the subject of an ongoing pursuit by the security forces.
The Army said both victims were rescued unhurt and handed over to the police for medical evaluation, debriefing and further necessary action.
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The remains of the suspected kidnapper were also handed over to the police.
The latest operation comes amid continued security concerns in some remote and riverine communities across Lagos State, where difficult terrain has reportedly posed challenges to security operations.
The Nigerian Army said it would continue to work with other security agencies and local stakeholders through intelligence-led operations to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities.
It said the efforts are aimed at protecting lives and property, restricting the activities of criminal elements and improving security across affected communities.
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