JTF rescues soldiers, four civilians from Kidnappers den

September 21, 2017 9:14 PM

The operation followed a report of two soldiers who were kidnapped during transit for banking services in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers.

Officers of the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta, code-named Operation Delta Safe, have reportedly rescued two abducted soldiers and four civilians from a den of kidnappers.

Punch reports that the troops discovered human skulls and bones during the raid on the camp in Rivers state.

The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, OPDS, Major Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed the information in a statement on Thursday, September 21.

ALSO READ: JTF prevents attempted abduction, frees victim

According to the reports, the operation followed a report of two soldiers who were kidnapped during transit for banking services in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers.

Abdullahi said the suspected militants/cultists opened fire as soon as they sighted the troops approaching their den.

He said, ”On September 18, 2017, about 7:30 am, OPDS headquarters received a report of kidnap of two soldiers while on transit for banking services in One LGA, Rivers State.

“Troops were immediately mobilised, swung into action and discovered a militant camp with several shrines in a forest at Obiozimini community in Rivers State.

“On approaching there, the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the troops who subsequently engaged them with superior fire power, leading to casualties on the side of suspected kidnappers while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds into an adjoining forest.

“The operation successfully rescued the two abducted personnel. Further search of the camp site led to the rescue of four more civilians that were earlier kidnapped, including a lady.”

The spokesman revealed that the troops discovered three pump action guns, eight empty cartridges, human skulls and some bones in the camp and shrines.

ALSO READ: 3 human skulls found in shrines as JTF arrest militant leaders

According to him, the camp and shrines were destroyed, while the rescued victims were evacuated to one of their medical facilities in the area.