Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued three kidnap victims during a counter-kidnapping operation in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to security consultant and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama in a statement on Saturday, the troops of 34 Artillery Brigade deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Izombe, achieved the feat in collaboration with Izombe local security outfits.

Makama said security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, following a distress call over suspected kidnapping activities along the Oguta–Owerri road.

Quoting the sources, he said the troops made contact with the kidnappers inside Okohia Umueju Forest, where four victims were being held captive.

“The criminals reportedly fled on sighting the troops, abandoning three of the victims who were successfully rescued,” the security consultant said.

However, one of the victims was killed by the abductors while attempting to escape.

Items recovered from the scene included the sum of ₦987,500, five mobile phones and two power banks.

The rescued victims and recovered items were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for further investigation and necessary action.

According to Makama, military authorities said efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects. (Guardian)