Troops Rescue 14 Kidnap Victims in Orokam Forest, Benue

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force Sector One under Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), working in conjunction with the Neighbourhood Watch, have successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated mission in Orokam Forest. The location sits on the border between Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to information obtained by Zagazola Makama, the rescue operation took place on Friday around 1:30 p.m. after locals provided credible intelligence about a suspected kidnappers’ camp within the forest.

Troops stationed in Udenu LGA were immediately deployed to the area and moved in alongside Neighbourhood Watch vigilante operatives.
“While the team was approaching the hideout, the criminals opened fire. The troops returned heavy fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon their captives,” a source disclosed.

The 14 victims—who had been abducted while returning from a burial ceremony—were rescued unharmed. Preliminary findings showed that the victims were taken from two separate communities: Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.

The rescued individuals were later handed over to the Divisional Police Officer of Udenu Division for reunification with their families.

Sources also confirmed that troops expended 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the engagement and safely returned to base at about 7:21 p.m. without casualties.
Additionally, security personnel have intensified surveillance of the wider area to restrict criminal activities. (Zagazola)