“Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force, Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, have successfully rescued 14 abducted individuals during a coordinated mission carried out inside Orokam Forest, a border area linking Udenu Local Government Area in Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area in Benue State.
The operation highlights ongoing security efforts to curb kidnappings and restore safety in the region.
Around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, following actionable intelligence from local residents that pinpointed a suspected kidnappers’ camp hidden in the forest, soldiers stationed in Udenu LGA swiftly mobilized to the location alongside members of the Neighbourhood Watch.
As the troops approached the hideout, the criminals opened fire, prompting a swift and heavy response from the joint team.
The overwhelming counterattack forced the kidnappers to flee in confusion, leaving the abducted victims behind. All 14 individuals, who had been kidnapped while returning from a weekend burial ceremony, were rescued safely and unharmed.
Initial findings revealed that the kidnapped victims were taken from two separate communities: Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.
After their rescue, they were promptly handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division for immediate reunification with their families.
During the gunfight, the troops reportedly discharged 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. They subsequently returned to their base around 7:21 p.m., with no casualties recorded.
Security forces have stepped up surveillance in the area to stop criminal groups from regrouping or moving freely.