Security personnel have freed 12 individuals who were kidnapped by suspected criminals in Efeche Forest, located in Ette, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The victims were rescued during a coordinated security operation carried out on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Those recovered include Patrick Eze, Chidinma Eze, Paul Peter, a farmer from Ogugu in Kogi State; Abutu Comfort from Ogugu in Kogi State; Emmanuel Samson from Ogene Ofada in Kogi State; Matthew Onoja from Ette; Akor Emmanuel, also a farmer; Onoja Samuel from Ogene in Kogi State; Omeke Ozoemena from Iyionu in Aguibeje; Peter Friday, 35, from Ogene in Kogi State; Emmanuel Akor, 33, from Ette in Enugu State; and Isiaka Ibrahim, 28, from Ogene in Kogi State.
Sources said the rescued victims were immediately taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment. They were reported to be stable and responding well to care.
It was learnt that the suspected kidnappers fled the forest during the operation, while security agencies have intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The successful rescue has been described as a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Michael Uche Ogalla, cautioned criminal elements against operating in the area, warning that the council would not condone unlawful activities.
Ogalla also assured residents that the local government would continue to partner with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
He further urged residents to stay alert and cooperate with security operatives by providing useful information that could aid in preventing crime.
