Troop of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army and personnel of the Nigerian Police Force rescued five kidnap victims at Abia Palm in Epe community of Etim Ekpo LGA of Akwa Ibom State in the early hours of Monday, September 26.
A press release issued by Idereghi Samuel Akari, Captain, 2 Brigade Assistant Director Army Public Relations on Monday said ‘‘The raid and rescue operation was carried out based on credible information on the hide-out and activities of the kidnapping syndicate at Abia Palm.
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‘‘The rescued victims are Miss Blessing Ekanem, 19, Mr Kingsley Ekanem, 23; Mrs Chioma Gabriella, 35; Mr Idorenyin Maurice Inim, 23; and Mr Uko Clement, 39.’’
According to the release, ‘‘During the operation, the leader of the kidnapping syndicate simply identified as Jeam Nas escaped with an AK 47 rifle while 2 other members of the syndicate Mr Imo Nkwo aged 23 years and Thankgod Ezekiel aged 24 years who attempted to escape were immobilized and arrested and their camp set ablaze.
‘‘Preliminary investigation revealed that on 23 September 2022, the victims boarded a commercial bus from Port Harcourt en route to Ikot Ekpene before the kidnappers hijacked the bus to their camp at Abia Palm in Epe community of Etim Ekpo LGA of the State.
‘‘The rescued victims, exhibits and arrested kidnappers had been handed over to the NP for further action while efforts is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kidnapping syndicate leader.
‘‘The 2 Brigade NA has urged members of the public to always provide security agencies in the state with timely information on the activities of kidnappers and other criminals in the state,’’ it added.
