Army frees five kidnap victims, recover bodies in Kogi forest

Nigerian Army troops carrying out ongoing anti-kidnapping operations in Kogi State have rescued five abducted persons and recovered decomposing bodies during a clearance operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.

A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the troops, drawn from Obajana and Kabba patrol bases, launched a fighting patrol to Ankomi village in the Adankolo general area of Lokoja Local Government Area, acting on credible intelligence.

According to the source, the patrol found that Ankomi village, which was previously occupied by bandits, had been destroyed and completely abandoned. During a thorough sweep of the area and surrounding forest, the troops rescued five victims who had been held by the criminals.

The source added that the soldiers also recovered decomposing bodies believed to be victims of the bandits’ activities in the area. The remains were found at different locations within the forest, suggesting that the criminals had used the area as a hideout for a long time.

“Troops extended the operation to the river line where three women and two children were intercepted. Preliminary debriefing confirmed they were victims of the Ayetoro Kiri kidnap incident,” the source said.

“Troops further exploited the area and discovered two decomposing bodies suspected to be those of abducted persons. One corpse was evacuated, while efforts were ongoing to recover the remaining remains.

“The rescued victims are currently receiving medical treatment at Fisayo Hospital, Obajana, while the deceased woman has been deposited at St. Joseph Mortuary in Kabba, Kogi,” he said.

The source added that debriefing of the rescued victims was ongoing to support efforts to rescue other abductees, noting that the general security situation in the area was calm but unpredictable.

According to him, troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain satisfactory, and operations to rescue remaining victims are ongoing.

(NAN)

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