Omanghana
A combined team of Nigerian security forces has rescued 15 National Youth Service Corps members and six other commuters from a kidnappers’ hideout in Kogi State.
The operation took place in the forest corridor between Egume and Ochaja, covering parts of the Ofu and Dekina local government areas.
Four suspected kidnappers were killed during a fierce exchange of gunfire, while several others reportedly escaped into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
The corps members were travelling from the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bayelsa State when heavily armed gunmen ambushed them along the Itobe–Ajaokuta Highway. The attackers emerged from the bush and forced the corps members and passengers in an approaching commercial vehicle into the forest.
After receiving information about the abduction, the Kogi State Police Command, the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, the Department of State Services, local vigilantes and hunters formed a joint task force to conduct a search-and-rescue operation.
The participation of local hunters and vigilantes proved vital because of their familiarity with the dense and rugged terrain. They helped security personnel track footprints, identify possible locations and tighten the perimeter around the kidnappers’ camp.
Security forces eventually located the hideout and launched an assault, leading to a gun battle with the kidnappers. Four members of the criminal gang were killed, while the remaining captors fled deeper into the forest.
All 21 hostages, comprising eight males and 13 females, were successfully extracted from the camp. One corps member and a civilian suffered gunshot injuries to their legs during the exchange of fire.
The injured victims were evacuated with the other rescued hostages for urgent medical treatment ahead of their reunification with their families.
Security operatives have continued sweeping the forest corridor in search of the fleeing suspects. Neighboring security commands, including the Enugu State Police Command, have also been alerted to intercept gang members attempting to escape from the area.
Source: Omanghana
