The 2 Brigade Nigerian Army in Uyo says its troops have arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued five victims on Monday.

Samuel Akari, the spokesman for the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, said this in a statement.

Mr Akari said the troops, in conjunction with police personnel, raided the kidnappers’ den at Abia Palm in Epe community, Etim Ekpo local government area of Akwa Ibom.

“The raid and rescue operation was carried out based on credible information on the hideout of the kidnapping syndicate at Abia Palm. During the operation, the leader of the kidnapping syndicate, simply identified as Jeam Nas, escaped with an AK-47 rifle,” the army statement disclosed. “While two other members of the syndicate, Imo Nkwo, aged 23 and Thankgod Ezekiel, aged 24, who attempted to escape were immobilized and arrested and their camp set ablaze.”

The kidnappers hijacked the bus conveying the victims on its way to Ikot Ekpene from Port Harcourt on Friday, added the army.

It also mentioned that the rescued victims, exhibits and the suspected kidnappers were handed over to the police.

Mr Akari assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and urged the public to support security agencies in the state with timely information on the activities of kidnappers and other criminals. 

(NAN)