Security operatives, comprising troops of the Nigerian Army and other intelligence agencies, have successfully rescued five kidnapped victims during a fierce clearance operation in a forest located in Kogi State.The operation, conducted following credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits in the region, resulted in a shootout with the criminals. According to military sources, the troops engaged the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon their camp and flee into the bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

During the raid, the troops discovered five victims held in captivity within the enclave. The victims, who had spent an undisclosed amount of time in the forest, were immediately freed and given first aid. They are currently undergoing debriefing and medical checks preparatory to being reunited with their families.

In a grim turn of events, the troops also recovered decomposing bodies scattered in the surrounding bush. Security sources believe the deceased are earlier victims of the kidnappers who may have been executed or died due to harsh conditions in the camp.The bodies have been evacuated and deposited at a morgue, while efforts are underway to identify them.

This operation is part of a broader offensive by the military to rid the North-Central region of banditry and kidnapping. The troops have vowed to sustain the momentum to ensure that forests and other hideouts used by criminal elements are cleared.Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide security agencies with useful information to rid the state of criminal elements.