Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued five abducted persons and recovered decomposing bodies during an ongoing security operation in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
A reliable military source disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday that soldiers drawn from the Obajana and Kabba patrol bases advanced into Ankomi village, located in the Adankolo axis, following actionable intelligence.
The source said the community, which had previously served as a hideout for bandits, was found destroyed and deserted upon the arrival of the troops.
“Troops extended the operation to the river line where three women and two children were intercepted.
Preliminary debriefing confirmed they were victims of the Ayetoro Kiri kidnap incident,” the source said.
He explained that the search operation was sustained, leading to a disturbing discovery within the area.
“Troops further exploited the area and discovered two decomposing bodies suspected to be those of abducted persons. One corpse was evacuated, while efforts were ongoing to recover the remaining remains.
“The rescued victims are receiving medical treatment at Fisayo Hospital, Obajana, while the deceased woman has been deposited at St. Joseph Mortuary in Kabba, Kogi.
The source added that interrogation of the rescued individuals was ongoing to assist security operatives in locating other victims believed to still be held captive.
He noted that although the security situation in the area was relatively calm, it remained unpredictable. According to him, the morale and operational effectiveness of the troops were satisfactory, as efforts to rescue the remaining abductees continued.
