Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim identified as Michael Akao in an operation in Sasaro Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The army disclosed in a statement that the operation was carried out on Sunday, along with other security agencies.

It stated that following a tip-off, troops of 195 Battalion (Rear), along with other security agencies, conducted a search operation within the forest, leading to the successful rescue of the victim.

“The troops also neutralised three kidnappers and recovered three locally fabricated guns, nine cartridges and other sundry items,” it said.

It added that the rescued victim was promptly evacuated to a hospital for medical attention and is responding to treatment.

According to the statement, the recovered items have been handed over to the State Security Service while the corpses of the neutralised kidnappers are in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

It said that the army, along with other security agencies, would sustain intelligence-driven operations to dismantle kidnapping networks, deny criminal elements safe havens and safeguard communities.