Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation UDO KA (OPUK) have rescued 14 persons kidnapped by bandits during a clearance operation at Orokam Forest, bordering Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo in Benue.
A credible military source told journalists on Saturday that the victims were abducted while returning from a burial over the weekend.
He said the victims were freed on Friday after troops and a vigilance group’s personnel stormed the hideout, acting on credible intelligence.
The source revealed that the kidnappers opened fire as the team approached, but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the troops, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
He said preliminary findings showed that the victims were taken from two communities, Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue, and were held in different locations within the thick forest.
According to him, the rescued victims have been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Udenu Division, for profiling and reunification with their families.
Confirming the report in a statement at the weekend, Army spokesperson, Lt Col Appolonia Anele, said that the rescue operation was carried out within the Orokam Forest corridor linking Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.
The operation was triggered by actionable intelligence from vigilant community sources.
Acting swiftly, troops working in concert with local vigilante mounted a deliberate assault on a suspected kidnap hideout concealed deep in the forest. On contact, the criminals unleashed gunfire, prompting a fierce engagement.
The joint force’s superior firepower, tactical manoeuvre and relentless advance forced the kidnappers to break contact and flee, abandoning the abductees.
The rescued victims were seized over the weekend while returning from a burial and were being held in dispersed clusters across the forest. Intelligence further indicated that the victims were abducted from two separate communities: Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA of Enugu State and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA of Benue State.
All rescued persons have been formally handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Udenu Division, for proper profiling and subsequent reunification with their families.
Lt Col Anele reiterated that Nigerian Army troops would continue to maintain aggressive battlespace dominance across the theatre of operations general area, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to neutralise all threats and uphold peace and security throughout the South East.
The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has assured staff, students and parents of adequate security on campus, dismissing as false and unsubstantiated reports circulating on social media about an alleged impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, the institution said there was no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the claims contained in the viral social media post.
The university, however, disclosed that it had adopted additional precautionary measures to further strengthen security across the Nsukka campus.
According to the statement, personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army have been deployed to strategic entry points within the university to complement the efforts of the institution’s security unit.
Management also announced the temporary closure of some access gates to the campus to enhance monitoring and regulation of movement into and out of the university.
As part of the new security measures, motorcycle operations within the campus have been suspended with immediate effect. Only motorcycles belonging to authorised security personnel will be allowed beyond the university gates.
Staff members who use motorcycles for transportation have been advised to park them at designated locations outside the campus before proceeding to their offices.
The university urged members of the academic community to remain calm and continue their normal activities without fear, stressing that there was no known security threat to the institution.
It also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic and anxiety among students, staff and the general public.
While reiterating its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for teaching, learning and research, the management encouraged students and staff to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the University Security Department or relevant security agencies.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and the cooperation of all staff, students and stakeholders is essential in maintaining the peaceful and secure environment for which the University of Nigeria is known,” the statement said.
The university further advised the public to treat anonymous social media posts and unverified online messages with caution, particularly those containing sensational claims intended to generate fear and uncertainty.
A video circulating online has shown the moment operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) rescued the abducted sister of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, from suspected kidnappers in Oyo State.
The footage captured heavily armed operatives storming a suspected hideout where the victims were allegedly being held after spending several days in captivity.
In the video, a suspected kidnapper was seen attempting to evade arrest by hiding inside the ceiling of the building.
However, police operatives discovered his location during the raid and brought him down before securing the premises.
It was gathered that during the operation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during a gun battle with security personnel, while several others escaped with gunshot
The victims were subsequently rescued unharmed and evacuated from the scene.
Police confirm rescue operation
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Confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, DSP Anthony Placid, said the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).
In a statement issued late Saturday, Placid said the rescue followed days of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance.
“The Nigeria Police Force announces the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.
According to the police spokesperson, the operation took place at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6.
“The hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.”
Placid explained that the victims were kidnapped while Mrs. Adegoke was driving her children to school on the morning of June 3.
“Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.”
Two suspects killed, Rifles recovered
The police said intelligence-driven operations enabled investigators to track the movements of the kidnappers and locate their hideout.
“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.”
During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded.
“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.”
The police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who fled during the operation.
“Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice.”
Family Thanks Tinubu, Makinde, Security Agencies
Meanwhile, the family of Chief Adebayo Adelabu confirmed the safe rescue of the victims and expressed gratitude to Nigerians, security agencies, and government officials for their support throughout the ordeal.
In a statement signed by Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, the family described the rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts.
“We are delighted to announce that the victims have been rescued safely and are in good condition.”
“This outcome is a testament to the power of collective action, unwavering commitment, and the resilience of our security institutions when adequately supported by citizens and government at all levels.”
The family also thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Oyo State Police Command, and other stakeholders for their intervention.
Rescue Comes Amid Security Concerns in Oyo
The successful operation comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
About 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped during attacks on schools in the area on May 15, sparking public outrage and protests by education stakeholders and civil society groups.
While celebrating the release of Adelabu’s sister and her children, the family said its thoughts remained with other victims still being held captive across the country.
“This experience has once again demonstrated that insecurity is a challenge that transcends partisan politics, ethnicity, religion and social status. Together, we can build a nation where every citizen feels safe, protected and free to pursue legitimate aspirations without fear.”
The police have assured residents that operations are continuing to dismantle the remaining members of the kidnapping network and bring all those involved to justice.
An emotional moment unfolded at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) when a female lecturer was brought to tears after her students surprised her with gifts in appreciation of her dedication and impact on their academic journey.
The surprise took place during a lecture session as students presented the lecturer with several gifts, including wrappers, packs of bottled water, a black handbag, household items and other wrapped presents.
Overwhelmed by the gesture, the lecturer became emotional as the students celebrated and applauded her for the positive role she has played in their lives.
Watch the video below;
Reacting one @nwaeze5056 said, “That’s my lecturer y’all ❤️❤️🤭…the best mother to us ..so kind and looking out for us..she deserves moreeee good things❤️.”
ekeneudemadu wrote, “This method of appreciation is therapeutic and relieving. 👏.”
ak_aifyscollection remarked, “I bought my lecturer a Gold chain n pendant the day I graduated n she cried heavily!! That woman really helped me in life though she later died a yr after we graduated !May her soul continue to rest in peace amen !!!i missed my final day exam n it was her course,that woman gave me a “B” n said her mind told her that I was under an attack for me to wake up n not rember it was my final day exams😭😭😭😭😭I cried heavily that day.”
mumboiz1 noted, “Her children must be proud of her, unlike those Mamas wey dey follow Tinubu dey campaign.. 😀.”
abikefabricsng added. “She is indeed a good mother. She still dips her hand in the purse to give them money . God bless her good heart.”
