Toops of 14 Brigade, operating under the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, successfully rescued 13 kidnap victims in Umunne Ochi, Abia State.
The rescue mission unfolded along Ngodo-Isuochi road in Umunneochi Local Government Area.
Speaking on the operation, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, commended the troops for their swift response to a distress call on Saturday, 22 July 2023.
Onyema stated that upon arrival at ” the scene of the incident while responding to a distress call on Saturday 22 July 2023, found that a Sienna SUV and an L300 Mitsubishi bus with Registration Number UWN 190 AL Enugu had been attacked by kidnappers, who took the passengers hostage and escaped into surrounding bushes.
The troops on getting additional information from witnesses at the scene, 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 further search on Sunday 23 July 2023 led to the rescue of additional eight victims, totalling 13 rescued persons.
“The rescued victims have been handed over to the Nigerian Police in Umunne Ochi.”
He further expressed gratitude to the courageous troops for their exemplary efforts in combating the prevailing security challenges in the country.
He also urged all law-abiding citizens to continue supporting the troops and other security agencies by providing timely and actionable information to help in their mission to protect the nation.
