Soldiers from the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Akure, Ondo State, today stormed various bushes in Akoko area of the state and arrested seven suspected kidnappers in their dens.
The soldiers were said to have gone after the hoodlums in their dens in Akokoland following the incessant reports of kidnappings, especially travellers on the Akure-Owo and Kabba-Auga-Akunnu Expressways.
Many travellers, including a traditional ruler of Iyani-Akoko, Oba Sunday Daodu, had been victims while some had been allegedly killed on these highways.
Speaking on the operation, the Assistant Director of the Nigeria Army Public Relations, Captain Ojo Adelegan, said the incessant activities of the kidnappers in the area informed the action of the army.
Adelegan said the suspects, whose identity had not been disclosed by the army as of the time of filling this report were kidnappers and their informants.
He explained, “The Commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General James Ataguba, has personally led the brigade troop for a special operation to comb the kidnappers spots within the Akoko area of Ondo State.
“The Commander and his troop did not leave any stone unturned where they raided, cordoned and thoroughly searched various forested kidnappers camps and spots at the boundary between Kogi and Ondo State in Akunu Akoko, Ohogo and Ogale communities .
“The operations which aimed at checkmating the incessant kidnappings within the Akoko area of Ondo State commenced early hours of today (Wednesday) and was extended to Oba Akoko and Ose communities.”
Adelegan said the suspected kidnappers had been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further action. He appealed to the people of the state to give useful information on any activity of the hoodlums to the brigade.