The Nigerian Military says it’s troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued 34 kidnapped victims from a notorious kidnap syndicate operating in Logo LGA of Benue state, some of whom have been in captivity for over a month.

John Enenche Coordinator Defence Media Operations (DMO), made this known in a statement in Abuja.

Enenche said the rescue followed credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate operating in the general area of Igbom village in Nenzev council ward of the LGA.

He said troops of Sector 2 and 4, on 16 July carried out a raid operation on a suspected kidnappers den location at Tomayin village in Logo LGA and had contact with the bandits leading to exchange of fire as troops closed in on the hideout .

“The gallant troops responded with superior fire forcing the armed bandits to fled in disarray into the bushes. The determined troops engaged the criminal elements in hot pursuit leading to the killing of one Zwa Ikyegh identified as the ring leader and others escaped with various degrees of gun shots wounds.

“Troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, 6 locally made rifle, one locally made pistol and a magazine. Others include 22 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 cartridges, 2 motorcycles and some Charms. The hideout has been equally destroyed”, he said.

The Coordinator informed that all the rescued kidnapped victims have been reunited with their families in different communities in Logo LGA.

Similarly, Enenche said troops of Sector 2 deployed at Gbise in Katsina Ala LGA and Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA of Benue State responded to a distress call on another kidnapping incident at Austoma.

He said the troops promptly mobilized to the scene leading to the arrest of 2 suspects; Sealemun and Orduem both of whom are linked to late Terugwa Igbagwa Aka Orjondu are currently undergoing investigation after which will be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further necessary action.