Troops of Sector 1 under the Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA, have rescued 14 kidnapped persons during a decisive raid on a criminal hideout in the Orokam Forest, which spans Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a reliable military source at the Army Headquarters, the operation was launched following actionable intelligence provided by vigilant members of the affected communities. The victims were reportedly abducted on Friday in separate incidents in Ezimo Agu community in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.
They were held in scattered clusters deep inside the forest before the troops, working in collaboration with local vigilante groups, mounted a coordinated offensive on the kidnappers’ hideout. On making contact, the armed criminals opened fire, prompting a fierce gun duel.
The source disclosed that the superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre, and sustained advance by the joint security forces forced the kidnappers to flee, abandoning the victims. All 14 rescued individuals have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division for proper documentation and eventual reunification with their families.