Troops of 2 Division Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnap victim and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an operation in Kogi State, further disrupting the activities of criminal elements operating within the area.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday via its verified X handle (@HQNigerianArmy).
The Army said its troops operating from Patrol Base Obajana encountered a 28-year-old kidnap victim, who had escaped from his abductors.
It said: “During preliminary debriefing, the victim disclosed that he was abducted from the Abaji general area of the Federal Capital Territory about five weeks earlier and had been held captive at a location within the area.
“Acting swiftly on information provided by the victim, the troops advanced to the identified location.
“The criminals on sighting the troops, abandoned their position and flee into the surrounding terrain.
“During exploitation of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing kidnappers.
It said the rescued victim was subsequently evacuated to the troops’ medical facility, where he is receiving appropriate medical attention.
According to the Army, the successful operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s sustained commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes through proactive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action.
“The troops are currently exploiting the success of the operation to track the fleeing criminals and dismantle their network.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and will continue to conduct sustained operations, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, to secure communities and restore lasting peace and security.