Security operatives, including troops of the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army (NA) in Akwa Ibom, on Monday, said they arrested two suspected kidnappers.
According to a statement by Samuel Akari, assistant director, army public relations of the brigade, five abductees were also rescued by the troops.
Akari said the troops, in a joint operation with police operatives, raided a hideout in Epe community of Etim Ekpo LGA of Akwa Ibom state.
“The raid and rescue operation was carried out based on credible information on the hideout of the kidnapping syndicate at Abia Palm,” the statement reads.
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“During the operation, the leader of the kidnapping syndicate, simply identified as Jeam Nas, escaped with an AK 47 rifle, while two other members of the syndicate, Imo Nkwo, aged 23, and Thankgod Ezekiel, aged 24, who attempted to escape were immobilised and arrested and their camp set ablaze.”
According to him, a bus conveying the abductees was hijacked by kidnappers on its way to Ikot Ekpene from Port Harcourt on September 23.
He added that the rescued victims, exhibits, and suspects have been handed over to the police for further action.
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Akari also assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspected gang leader.
He, however, urged members of the public to support security agencies “with timely information on the activities of kidnappers and other criminals for prompt action”.
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