By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Security operatives in a joint operation comprising of 401 Special Forces Brigade, Operation Whirl Stroke and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards have rescued unhurt 9 commuters who were kidnapped along Oukpa — Enugu road on the 14th January, 2024.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that upon the receipt of the information about the incident, the joint troops were massively deployed to Orokam in Ogbadibo local government area of the state to carry out a search and rescue clearance operation in search of the kidnappers and the kidnapped victims
It also gathered that the troops on the second day of the operation, raided the forested areas along Otukpa-Enugu road and Adopi forest.
The troops suddenly busted into the kidnappers den at Owukpa forest in Ogbadibo local government area where fire -fight ensued between the assailants and the troops but the kidnappers couldn’t stand the fire power of the Joint military troops and withdrew in dismay while one of the kidnappers was shot dead with the recovery of AK-47 rifle.
According to the investigation, eight kidnapped commuters made up of seven adults and one teenager were rescued unhurt, recovery of eleven mobile phones among other items in the kidnappers den.
While fielding questions from Nigerian NewsDirect on the success made by the Joint military troops , the Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General A. Rabiu described the success recorded by the Nigeria Army as commendable.
General Rabiu further assured that the Brigade under his watch will continue to do everything possible to ensure that all roads within Benue state remain free and safe to all travelers irrespective of their businesses, religion or tribal inclination.
He tasked the soldiers to remain committed and dedicated to their duties with the aim of fighting criminal activities out of Benue state to reciprocate the untire less efforts of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja towards repositioning the Nigeria Army.