Troops of the 13 Brigade under the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, have received eight rescued kidnap victims and arrested a suspected gunrunner in Cross River State.
A reliable Army source confirmed that the victims were handed over along the Ikang waterways by the Cameroonian Armed Forces near the Pastors Fishing Port area.
The source explained that the victims, who were travelling from Nigeria to Cameroon, had been abducted by suspected sea pirates along Cameroonian waterways. They were rescued by the Cameroonian forces following an armed confrontation with the criminals.
“After being handed over, the victims were taken to the troops’ Forward Operating Base, debriefed, and later released,” the source said.
The source further noted that troops deployed in Abi Local Government Area also apprehended a suspected gunrunner based on actionable intelligence.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Ojo Friday, was arrested on January 20, and authorities recovered 245 rounds of ammunition from him.
Investigations revealed that the suspect is originally from Ochon in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State but resides in Abomege, Ebonyi State.
“The suspect and the recovered items are currently in military custody for preliminary investigation,” the source added.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its determination to sustain proactive operations across its area of responsibility to prevent criminal activities and protect lives and property in the region.