Security operatives have rescued 12 people who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Efeche Forest located in Ette, in the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The victims were freed during a joint security operation conducted on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Those rescued were identified as 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, 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 disclosed that the victims were immediately taken to a medical facility after the operation for treatment and health assessment. They were said to be responding well to treatment and are currently in stable condition.
It was gathered that the kidnappers fled the scene during the rescue mission, while security personnel have intensified efforts to apprehend the suspects.
The rescue operation is regarded as a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities within the Igbo-Eze North area.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Michael Uche Ogalla, warned criminals to steer clear of the council area, stressing that authorities would not tolerate unlawful acts.
Ogalla also reassured residents that the local government would continue to collaborate with security agencies to sustain peace and ensure the safety of lives and property.
He further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and assist security operatives with credible information that could help prevent criminal activities.