‘Kidnapper’ killed as troops thwart attempted abduction in Imo

Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled an attempted kidnapping in Umuaka community, Njaba LGA of Imo state.

Jonah Unuakhalu, spokesperson of the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA, said the attempt was repelled by troops on routine patrol on May 17, 2024.

He said the troops were alerted of the incident while on patrol at Umuaka, along Orlu-Owerri road.

“The troops swiftly pursued the kidnappers and made contact with them,” Unuakhalu said.

“In the firefight that ensued, the troops professionally neutralised one of the kidnappers and injured two others despite their attempts to use passers-by as human shields.

“The troops recovered one AK 47 rifle with two loaded magazines and a motorcycle.”

Unuakhalu said the troops, in conjunction with personnel of the naval base in Oguta, killed a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Amagberedere village in Oguta LGA of Imo.

He said during the raid operation conducted on the suspected hideout of the dissidents, the IPOB/ESN members opened fire on the troops.

“But the soldiers responded appropriately and in the process, they neutralised one of the terrorists and recovered one pump action shotgun and two cartridges,” Unuakhalu said.

“We commend the good people of Umuaka and Oguta communities for providing timely intelligence.

“We continue to encourage the general public to provide timely information that will lead to the arrest of these criminal elements terrorising the law-abiding and peace-loving south-east people.”