Troops of the Nigerian Army on Monday rescued 10 passengers onboard a Peace Mass Transit Bus who were kidnapped while travelling from Calabar to Abuja.

The victims were rescued in Kogi, according to a statement on Tuesday by the army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu.

Mr Nwachukwu said the rescue operation occurred in the Ogugu community along Enugu-Kogi Road in Olamaboro Local Government Area of the state.

He said the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene of the kidnap incident in response to a distress call where the kidnappers had demobilised the bus, abducted the passengers and moved them into the nearby Ette forest.

According to him, the gallant troops diligently tracked and engaged the armed gang in a firefight, compelling them to relinquish their hostages.

“The swift and decisive action of the troops led to the successful rescue of the passengers,” he said.

Mr Nwachukwu also said army troops, in another operation, raided IPOB/ESN Enclaves in Egbuoma/Osiam in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo on Monday.

He said the operation resulted in the neutralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of one Mercedes Benz 350 4matic from their camp.

The army spokesman said the troops in Nasarawa on Monday quelled an attack on Katakpa village in the Toto Local Government Area of the state following a distress call.

He said an armed group identified as the Bassa militia group had invaded the village and annihilated the Sarkin Katakpa.

According to him, the troops, acting on a distress call, embarked on a fighting patrol to the community and successfully repelled the attackers.

“During the incident, troops recovered two AK 47 Rifles, two AK 47 Magazines, two G3 Rifles, two G3 Rifle Magazines, 41 Cartridges of 39mm ball special ammunition and 45 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

“Troops have dominated the general area and continued further exploits to nab the assailants.

“The Nigerian army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and will continue to conduct operations to sanitise troubled areas and maintain peace and stability in the country,” he added.

(NAN)