Security operatives in Enugu State, including the state’s forest guard and police special squad, have rescued twelve kidnapped victims following a coordinated raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout.
Drum Africa learnt that the kidnappers’ hideout is located within the Effeche Eja/Ojugo forest corridor around Ette and Aguibeje communities in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The Enugu State Forest Guard, in collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police Special Intervention Squad and other security agencies, collaborated on the operation as part of an ongoing statewide bush-combing exercise aimed at dismantling criminal camps in forest corridors and rural communities.
A statement issued by the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr Akinbayo O. Olasoji, said that the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the activities and suspected hideout of a kidnapping gang operating within the forest axis.
Olasoji explained that during the operation, security operatives encountered the suspected kidnappers who opened fire on the approaching team, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
He said that at the end of the engagement, the joint security team successfully rescued twelve kidnapped victims from the criminals’ hideout, while two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the suspects,” the statement said.
He added that the operation also led to the disruption and dismantling of a kidnapping camp within the Effeche Forest corridor.
Olasoji further disclosed that follow-up operations carried out by a combined team of the police, Nigerian army, forest guard, and neighbourhood watch led to the interception and arrest of three suspected kidnappers within the operational area.
The suspects, he added, are currently in police custody and assisting ongoing investigations, and he noted that the success of the operation highlights the effectiveness of the ongoing forest security operations across Enugu State.
