Imo Kidnap Victims Freed as Army Troops Foil Abduction Attempt

In a daring counter-kidnapping operation, troops of the Nigerian Army's 34 Artillery Brigade, stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Izombe, Imo State, successfully rescued three individuals who had been taken hostage. This feat was achieved through a collaborative effort with local security outfits in Izombe, according to a statement by security consultant and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama. The operation, which took place on Friday, May 22, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., was initiated in response to a distress call regarding suspected kidnapping activities along the Oguta–Owerri road. Upon receiving the distress call, the troops swiftly moved into action, tracing the kidnappers to the Okohia Umueju Forest, where they found four victims being held captive. As the troops closed in, the kidnappers fled, abandoning three of their captives, who were subsequently rescued. Unfortunately, one of the victims was killed by the kidnappers during an attempted escape. Following the operation, the troops recovered a sum of ₦987,500, five mobile phones, and two power banks from the scene. The rescued victims and the recovered items were then handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary action. The military authorities have assured that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.