Nigerian Troops Receive Rescued Hostages, Nab Suspected Gunrunner in C’River
Troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have received eight rescued kidnap victims from the Cameroonian Armed Forces and arrested a suspected gunrunner in Cross River State, the Nigerian Army has disclosed.
Security sources disclosed that the developments were contained in a security update on activities within the formation’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) as of January 20.
According to the sources, troops of 13 Brigade, deployed on patrol along the Ikang waterways, received the eight victims at about 6:16 p.m. on January 18 at the Pastors Fishing Port general area.
The victims, who were traveling from Nigeria to Cameroon, were reportedly abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Cameroon waterways but were later rescued by the Cameroonian Armed Forces following a gun battle with the criminals.
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“The rescued victims were conveyed to the troops’ Forward Operating Base (FOB), where they were debriefed and subsequently released,” the sources said.
In a related operation, troops of 13 Brigade, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspected gunrunner in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State at about 8:00 a.m. on January 20.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Ojo Friday, was apprehended with a total of 245 ammunition cartridges.
The Army said the suspect hails from Ochon in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State but currently resides in Abomege, Ebonyi State.
“The suspect and recovered items are currently in custody for preliminary investigation,” the sources added.
The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the region.
By PRNigeria
