Troops rescue 13 victims of kidnap in Abia

The Nigerian Army said its troops of 14 Brigade operating under 82 Division, have rescued 13 kidnap victims along Ngodo- Isuochi road in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

This was contained in a statement by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations

The statement said the troops responded to distress calls and arrived at the scene of the incident where it discovered that a Sienna SUV and an L300 Mitsubishi bus with Registration Number UWN 190 AL Enugu had been attacked by kidnappers.

It said the kidnappers took the passengers hostage and escaped into surrounding bushes, adding that the troops went in pursuit of the kidnappers, trailing them into the bushes.

“During the search and rescue operation, troops initially extricated five victims on the first day of the search and rescue operation while a further search on Sunday 23 July 2023 led to the rescue of additional eight victims, totalling 13 rescued persons.” The statement said.

According to the statement, the rescued victims have been handed over to the Nigerian Police in Umunne Ochi.

The Army appealed to citizens to continue to support the troops with timely and actionable information as they combat security challenges across the country.