Troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, deployed for Operation Akpakwu, have rescued the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River, Professor Gertrude Njar, after 35 days in captivity.
The Army Public Relations Officer, 13 Brigade, Calabar, Capt. Dorcas Aluko, told newsmen on Wednesday, March 8.
The Commissioner was kidnapped on February 1, 2023 on Atamuno Street off Mayne Avenue, Calabar South.
Also read: Family afraid over Commissioner’s safety in kidnappers’ den
Following her abduction, the assailants reached out to her family and demanded a ransom of N150 million.
This was as the Commissioner’s family had on March 8 sent an appeal to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to help rescue her.
”Acting on actionable intelligence on victim’s whereabout, troops laid a tacit ambush for the kidnappers around Peter Effiong Creek, Messembe, Jebs. The gallant troops tactically sprang an ambush to take the kidnappers by surprise while on search of the victim. In the ensuing melee, the criminals abandoned the victim and fled into the creeks,” Aluko said
The Army spokesperson stated that the troops were on the trail of the fleeing criminals. According to Aluko, the victim is currently receiving medical treatment, after which she will be discharged.
”The Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army commends troops for their gallantry and urges them to sustain the tempo against all criminal elements in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility. Members of the general public are also encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information on criminal activities within their vicinities,” she said
