Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has said troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested no fewer than 24 suspected kidnappers within two weeks of operation in the Owo and Akoko areas of Ondo State.
Two senior military officers, who were travelling to Abuja, had been kidnapped in the Akoko area in the past three weeks, although they were later rescued.
The Army chief disclosed this while speaking during a visit to the palace of the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
Buratai, who was represented by the Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade of the army, Akure, Brig. Gen. Zakan Abubakar, 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.”
Receiving the entourage of the COAS, Oba Ogunoye pledged the community’s support for the army in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery/banditry and other 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,” Oba Ogunoye said.