By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have rescued 14 kidnapped victims in Kogi following sustained offensive operations against terrorists within forest enclaves around Lokoja axis.

A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Tuesday that the rescue followed a successful assault on Batijjo’s camp in the Adonkolo/Kakanda Forest.

The source said that the troops engaged terrorists in a firefight and overran the camp, forcing the criminals to flee.

He said the troops recovered weapons, ammunition, military and police camouflage, and documents, including a foreign passport during the operations, further degrading the terrorists’ operational capability.

According to him, one of the rescued victims was identified as a serving soldier abducted while traveling from Abeokuta to Zaria, while all rescued persons were stabilised by medical teams.

“In a follow-up ambush at Tajimi, troops engaged a fleeing terrorist who abandoned his motorcycle before escaping; the motorcycle was recovered for intelligence exploitation.

“Troops also responded swiftly to a kidnapping incident along the Okene–Onyukoko road, rescuing seven escapees, as search-and-rescue operations continue for remaining victims,” he said.

The source reaffirmed the Nigerian army’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security across Kogi and adjoining areas. (NAN)

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