Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued Prince Micheal Akao from a suspected kidnappers’ camp in Sasaro Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Army, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the operation was carried out by troops of the 195 Battalion (Rear) alongside other security agencies after receiving credible intelligence on the kidnappers’ hideout.
During the raid, three suspected kidnappers were killed in a gunfight with the troops.
The soldiers recovered three locally made guns, nine cartridges and other items from the camp.
Prince Akao was rescued alive and taken to a hospital, where he is receiving treatment. The Army said he is responding well.
It added that the recovered weapons have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation, while the bodies of the suspected kidnappers are with the Nigeria Police Force.
The Army said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to flush out criminal groups hiding in forests and end kidnapping across the country.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks, deny kidnappers safe havens and improve security in affected communities.