Troops overpower kidnappers, rescue 14 victims in Enugu–Benue border forest

Troops operating under the Nigerian Army’s Operation UDO KA (OPUK) have rescued 14 abducted individuals during a clearance mission in Orokam Forest, located between Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo in Benue.

A reliable military source said on Saturday that the group had been kidnapped while returning from a burial over the weekend.

According to the source, the hostages regained their freedom on Friday when troops, working jointly with local vigilance personnel, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout following actionable intelligence.

The kidnappers, he said, “opened fire as the team approached,” but were forced to retreat after being subdued by the troops’ superior firepower, abandoning the captives as they fled.

Preliminary information indicated that the victims were seized from two separate communities — Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue — and held at different spots deep inside the forest.

The source confirmed that those rescued had since been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in Udenu Division for profiling and to facilitate their reunion with their families.

He added that troops have stepped up patrols across the area to limit criminal activity and protect residents.

The source reiterated the Nigerian Army’s “unwavering commitment” to maintaining operational momentum nationwide to safeguard citizens.