Kidnappers Dump Victim, Escape Into Forest As Troops Raid Hideout

According to Ireporter Online, personnel of Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), working alongside the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, successfully rescued the victim following a swift response to an abduction incident in the area.

Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out around 4:00 a.m. on July 8 after troops stationed at Tor-Donga received credible intelligence about a kidnapping incident in the Igyudu community.

The combined security team immediately mobilised to the location, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the victim upon sighting the approaching troops and escape into the surrounding forest.

The rescued victim was taken to a medical facility for medical assessment and treatment, while security operatives intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.

Military authorities said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by Operation WHIRL STROKE to combat kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime across Benue State and neighbouring communities.

Meanwhile, suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked the Logomani community in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, forcing residents to flee after a heavy exchange of gunfire.

Reports indicate that the insurgents attacked the community late Tuesday night after launching an assault on the Forward Operating Base in Logomani, where a soldier was killed during the confrontation.

According to Ireporter Online, the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, confirmed that troops successfully contained the attack by the insurgents.

Goni stated that two gun trucks and other combat equipment were damaged during the encounter, adding that troops under Sector One quickly regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat.

He explained that the Forward Operating Base remains under the control of Operation Hadin Kai troops, with reinforcements deployed and further security measures being implemented to strengthen the area.

A resident who spoke on the incident described the attackers as heavily armed and coordinated, claiming they invaded parts of the community after overpowering security personnel during the initial assault.

The resident added that the terrorists set fire to two classrooms, a police outpost and a primary healthcare facility during the attack.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the Borno State Police Command had yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.