The men of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested five persons over kidnapping activities in Owo, the headquarters of the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Victor Olukoya, the suspects were apprehended at their hideout in a bush on Tuesday night.

Olukoya said before the arrest of the suspects, they had been terrorizing the people of the area in recent times. He said the soldiers rescued five victims from the kidnappers’ den.

He said, “The troops made the arrest when they carried out a raid operation at about 1:00 am, on the kidnappers’ hideout at Jugbere village in Owo LGA. The operation was based on a tip-off, that suspected kidnappers had kidnapped nine farmers in a farm belonging to one Mr Godwin Ugu.

“During the operation, the troops were able to rescue five of the hostages while four others escaped from the kidnappers’ den. The rescued hostages and some of the suspects who sustained minor injuries are presently undergoing first aid treatment at the 32 Artillery Brigade Medical Centre.”

Some of the items recovered from the hoodlums, according to Olukoya include Dane gun, axe, cutlasses, live cartridges, handset and ring charms.

He further stated that the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate security agency at the conclusion of the preliminary investigation.

“The commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General ZL Abubakar has ordered for an intense patrol to be carried out in both Ekiti and Ondo States to rid the states of hoodlums.” the brigade spokesman noted.

PUNCH