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Orokam, Benue State — In a decisive counter-kidnapping operation, Nigerian Army troops of Joint Task Force Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), working closely with Neighbourhood Watch vigilantes, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims from a criminal enclave hidden deep inside Orokam Forest on the Benue–Enugu border.
The rescue, which took place Friday around 1:30 p.m., followed credible intelligence from locals who reported suspicious activities linked to a kidnappers’ camp in the thick forest corridor between Udenu LGA in Enugu State and Ogbadigbo LGA in Benue State.
According to security sources, troops deployed in Udenu LGA swiftly mobilised alongside Neighbourhood Watch operatives and advanced toward the hideout. As the team approached, the kidnappers opened fire in an attempt to repel the troops, but the soldiers responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and escape into the bush.
Fourteen victims — abducted on their way back from a burial ceremony — were rescued unhurt. Preliminary findings revealed that the victims were taken from two communities: Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.
After the operation, the rescued persons were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division for profiling and reunification with their families.
Security sources disclosed that troops expended 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the engagement and returned to base at about 7:21 p.m. without any casualties or operational setbacks.
Authorities say troops have intensified surveillance around the forest axis to prevent further criminal activities and deny bandits the freedom to regroup.
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