Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups, have rescued three kidnapped victims and killed two suspected kidnappers during a joint operation in Edo State.
The operation followed the abduction of victims from Ambrose Alli University on Monday, prompting security forces to launch an intelligence-led manhunt for the perpetrators.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in Esan Local Government Area, where they engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle.
According to the Nigerian Army, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised during the exchange of fire, while sustained pressure from the security team forced other members of the gang to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding forest.
All three kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed.
Security operatives also recovered three AK-47 rifles, 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three mobile phones and two power banks believed to belong to the criminal gang.
The recovered weapons and other exhibits are in the custody of security agencies, while efforts are underway to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence on the activities and hideouts of criminal elements.
