Fourteen individuals abducted in communities along the Enugu–Benue border have been rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army as part of Operation UDO KA (OPUK).
According to military sources, the victims were seized while returning from a burial ceremony over the weekend and were held at different locations within the dense Orokam Forest, which spans Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo in Benue State.
The rescue operation, carried out on Friday, involved both army personnel and local vigilance groups who acted on credible intelligence.
As the team approached the kidnappers’ hideout, gunfire was exchanged, but the superior firepower of the troops forced the criminals to flee, leaving their captives behind.
Initial reports indicated that the victims were taken from Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.
Following their rescue, they were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu for verification and reunification with their families.
The military source emphasised that patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further criminal activity.
He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining operations across the country to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
