The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has disclosed that soldiers have arrested no fewer than 24 suspected kidnappers within two weeks of operation in the Owo and Akoko areas of Ondo State.
In the last three weeks, two senior military officers were kidnapped in the Akoko area on their way from Abuja. The victims were later rescued.
Buratai spoke during a visit to the palace of the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
Represented by the Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade of the army, Akure, Brig. Gen. Zakan Abubakar, the COAS said, “Based on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, troops have been deployed in some strategic areas in the state; precisely Arimogija, Owo to Oba Akoko areas, while 24 suspects have been arrested so far within two weeks of operation around Owo and Akoko general areas.”
Welcoming the visitors, Oba Ogunoye said the community would support the army in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery/banditry and other contemporary security challenges in the country.
“The performance of the Nigerian Army in curtailing security challenges in the country under the present Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, is highly commendable,” the monarch said.