In a significant rescue operation, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 401 Special Forces Brigade successfully freed a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) along with six other victims who had been kidnapped in Tse-Annaka, a locality in the Ukum local government area of Benue State. The corps member, identified as Samuel Muekara, is a 29-year-old law graduate who was among those held captive by armed kidnappers.

The rescued individuals include:

• Samuel Muekara (29) – NYSC member and law graduate
• Anaelechi Bob (32)
• Ayuba Luka (28)
• Ibrahim Umar (30)
• Rabiu Muhammad (48)
• Buhari Ahmadu Saleh (17)
• Blessing Ayuba (47)

These victims were kidnapped at different times but from the same area, illustrating a broader issue of security in the region.

According to a security personnel who spoke anonymously, the kidnappers terrorizing the area are known as “Full Fire.” They are believed to be part of a notorious gang previously led by the late Terwase Akwaza, also referred to as Gana, a criminal kingpin in Benue. The source indicated that these bandits are well-known in the community, and their presence is felt deeply by local residents, who often feel powerless to act against them due to fear of retribution.

During an interview at the military camp in Zaki-Biam, where the victims were taken for safety, they recounted their harrowing experiences. Many described being held hostage for several days, moved between various villages like Chito, Adamawa, Atereyange, Ututu, and Pevkyaa. The kidnappers made kidnapping their main source of income and operated with impunity, even in broad daylight.

One victim, Rabiu Muhammad, shared a particularly alarming story. He had come to pay a ransom for his cousin, Ibrahim Umar, but ended up getting kidnapped himself. Blessing Ayuba, another victim, was also captured when she attempted to pay a ransom for her son, Luka Ayuba.

The victims emphasized that the kidnappers lived alongside their families, who would occasionally bring food to them. This added an unsettling layer to their ordeal, as it showed the depth of the bandits’ integration into the community.

Families of the victims had raised over 20 million Naira in ransom, along with other valuables, to secure their loved ones’ release. Despite these efforts, the victims remained in captivity until the Nigerian Army intervened. The timely rescue by the troops not only saved the lives of these individuals but also highlighted the ongoing challenges of security in the region.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing communities in Nigeria regarding security and crime. The importance of collective community efforts to combat crime cannot be overstated. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to security agencies to help combat the wave of kidnappings and ensure the safety of their communities.

The Nigerian Army’s swift response underscores the commitment to restoring security and peace in regions plagued by violence and crime, and it emphasizes the need for ongoing cooperation between security forces and local communities.