Troops foil kidnap attempt in Edo, arrest five suspects, recover rifle
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 195 Battalion have foiled a kidnap incident in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, leading to the rescue of victims, arrest of suspects and recovery of a rifle.
Security sources said the troops, deployed at Auchi, responded to a distress call at about 8:00 a.m. on April 16, following reports of a kidnapping at Iyuku in Jattu.
On arrival, the troops discovered that three kidnapped victims had escaped from their captors.
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One of the victims reportedly overpowered and disarmed one of the kidnappers, seizing an AK-47 rifle loaded with nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
Troops later combed the surrounding forest and apprehended five suspected kidnappers, while three mobile phones were also recovered during the operation.
The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
Military authorities said troops would sustain ongoing operations to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.