Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued an abducted prince, Prince Micheal Akao, during a raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Sasaro Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Army announced in a statement on Sunday that troops of the 195 Battalion (Rear), working with other security agencies, carried out the intelligence-led operation after receiving credible information about the kidnappers’ location.
During the operation, three suspected kidnappers were killed in a gun battle with the troops.
The soldiers also recovered three locally made guns, nine cartridges and other items from the hideout.
Prince Akao was rescued alive and taken to a hospital for treatment. The Army said he is responding well to medical care.
According to the statement, the recovered weapons have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation, while the bodies of the suspected kidnappers are in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Army said the successful operation shows the importance of intelligence-led operations in tackling kidnapping and other crimes in forest areas.
It added that troops will continue to work with other security agencies to destroy criminal hideouts, dismantle kidnapping gangs and protect lives and property across the country.
