The Nigerian Army have said its troops have rescued 12 kidnapped victims in Ette Community, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria’s South-east.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Saturday, the army said the rescue operation was conducted on Friday.
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It said the operation was conducted by troops of the 82 Division Garrison under Operation Eastern Sanity in response to receipt of a distress call about the kidnap of the victims.
The army said the troops carried out the operation in collaboration with police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch who jointly advanced to the camp of the kidnappers.
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“Upon arrival, the troops commenced aggressive search and fighting patrols across the general area in an effort to track down the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
“Overwhelmed by the rapid response and superior combat readiness of the troops, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled the scene.
“The troops immediately pursued the fleeing criminals while securing the area. During the exploitation of the location, all the 12 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unharmed,” the army narrated.
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Arrest of suspects
The army stressed that the troops, during the operation, arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the kidnapping of the victims
It said the arrested suspects were currently “being interrogated” to aid ongoing efforts to track down other fleeing members of the kidnapping gang
The army added that the troops have intensified “aggressive patrols and surveillance” across the area to ensure public safety.
“The successful rescue further demonstrates the troops’ sustained operational pressure and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property while restoring lasting security and public confidence across communities in the region,” it said.
Increased cases of kidnapping
There have been growing attacks by kidnappers across Nigeria, especially in the southern part of the country.
Civil servants, business owners, politicians and even students have become targets of such attacks in the country lately.
Last Sunday for instance, gunmen, believed to be kidnappers, abducted and then killed Francis Igwe, father of a former deputy governor of Ebonyi State.
Police, on Friday, announced the arrest of some of the suspects in connection with the abduction and killing of the victim.
Meanwhile, kidnapping has been illegal in Nigeria since May 2022.
The country’s authorities enacted the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022) which outlawed all forms of kidnapping.
The Act prescribes death sentence for kidnapping in a case where the abduction leads to loss of life and life imprisonment where there is no loss of life.
It was an amendment to the now defunct Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2013) which had prescribed a 10-years jail term for kidnapping.
The new Act also prescribes at least a 15-year jail term for whoever pays ransom to free kidnap victims.
Several persons have been convicted for kidnapping across Nigeria.
An Ikeja Special Offences Court, in September 2022, sentenced kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, to 21 years imprisonment for kidnapping.
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