By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops deployed across ongoing internal security operations have rescued two kidnapped women in Kwara and foiled fresh abduction attempts in Ondo State, as security forces sustained pressure on criminal elements in parts of the country.

Operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday, has revealed.

The report said the troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued the two female victims during a fighting patrol in the Ndanaku-Lata general area of Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara.

It said the victims were abducted on April 2, while returning from Patigi Market along the Ndanaku-Mari village road.

According to the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims, both residents of Ndanaku community, were abandoned by their captors along the Lata-Ndanaku forest axis before the kidnappers fled.

“The victims were subsequently reunited with their families after receiving necessary assistance from the troops.

“In a related development, troops of the Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bangi in Niger, thwarted an attempt by terrorists to kidnap farmers along the Kukata-Kotonkoro road in Mariga Local Government Area.

“The troops engaged the terrorists in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee into the forest.

“Military reinforcements later pursued the fleeing criminals, while traces of blood were reportedly discovered along their escape route,” it said.

The report further revealed that troops of Operation MESA, working with the police and other security agencies, foiled two attempted kidnappings in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It added that security operatives responded to distress calls following reports of attempted abductions in Ojana New Area and Igbegun Area off Owo Housing Estate.

The military said the swift intervention of the joint security team disrupted the operation and compelled the armed criminals to flee into nearby bushes.

According to the report, the Intended victims and their family members were rescued unharmed, although one civilian sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the incident and was evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, for treatment.

The report added that troops subsequently conducted pursuit and bush-combing operations to track down the fleeing suspects, while security surveillance had been intensified in the affected areas.

The operations, according to the report, underscore ongoing efforts by security forces to curb kidnapping and protect vulnerable communities across the country. (NAN)

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