Troops participating in Exercise Enduring Peace III successfully freed three individuals who were abducted in the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue state.
Joseph Har, the Security Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia, reported this development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Makurdi and shared with journalists.
According to Har, the rescue operation occurred on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, following a tip-off he received. Upon receiving the information, he promptly alerted the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Kefas.
Har mentioned that while conducting a patrol along the Naka-Makurdi road, the troops encountered a group of criminals in the act of attempting to rob and abduct local residents.
He explained that on sighting the troops, the kidnappers ran in disarray leaving behind the victims but added that troops gave the suspects a good chase into the bush and rescued three persons.
The statement read, “Troops on patrol along Naka Makurdi road, sighted some criminals attempting to rob and kidnap locals. On sighting on troops, they ran in disarray leaving behind the victims.
“The troops further pursued them in the bushes and three civilians were rescued.”
Har appreciated the troops for their success so far and called on Benue residents to be vigilant and report all suspicious persons and movements to security agencies in the state for prompt action.
