The Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with other security forces and local vigilantes, has rescued a 29-year-old man abducted by suspected kidnappers in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.
The victim was abducted last Tuesday around Afor-Ogidi Market in Isiala Amaifeke Community, Orlu LGA, while returning home from the International Market, Umuna, Orlu, according to a security source.
The source said the assailants, who were armed with assault rifles and operating on two motorcycles, blocked the victim’s vehicle, seized him and took him to an undisclosed location.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N15 million for his release.
However, in the early hours of Thursday, security operatives rescued the victim at Ihioma Community, Orlu LGA, during a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the DSS, other security forces and local vigilantes.
The operation also resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate, while two high-calibre weapons and ammunition were recovered.
The rescued victim was subsequently secured by the security forces and reunited with his family.
The source said the operation was among several efforts demonstrating the sustained collaboration and growing synergy among security agencies to curb criminal activities, dismantle kidnapping networks and prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for perpetrators of violent crime.