Troops of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, deployed for Operation Akpakwu, have rescued the commissioner for women affairs in Cross River, Gertrude Njar, from captivity.

On Wednesday (when the International Women’s Day was marked), Dorcas Aluko, spokeswoman for the 13 Brigade, Calabar, announced her rescue.

The commissioner was kidnapped on February 1 in the Mayne Avenue area, Calabar South.

”Acting on actionable intelligence on the victim’s whereabouts, troops laid a tacit ambush for the kidnappers around Peter Effiong Creek, Messembe, Jebs. The gallant troops tactically sprung an ambush to take the kidnappers by surprise while in search of the victim,” said the army.

The statement added, ”In the ensuing melee, the criminals abandoned the victim and fled into the creeks.”

According to the statement, the troops are on the trail of the fleeing criminals.

Ms Njar is currently receiving medical treatment.

”The commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army commends troops for their gallantry and urges them to sustain the tempo against all criminal elements in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility,” said the army statement. “Members of the general public are also encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information on criminal activities within their vicinity.” 

(NAN)