News Security
Nigerian Army rescues abducted Cross River commissioner
The Nigerian Army have rescued Prof Gertrude Njar, the commissioner for women affairs in Cross River State.
It was confirmed by the state assistant director, Nigerian Army Public Relations, Calabar, Captain Dorcas Oluwatope Aluko
Statepress had reported that Prof. Njar was kidnapped by men who were dressed in army uniforms on 1st February, 2023.
The incident occurred on Atamunu Street, Calabar, at about 8.30 am on her way to work. Her abductors had demanded N150 Million.
Aluko said that troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Calabar, deployed for Operation Akpakwu, a state-owned security outfit, successfully rescued the Commissioner on 8th March 2023.
She said they acted on actionable intelligence on the victim’s whereabouts, and laid “a tacit ambush for the kidnappers around Peter Effiong Creek, Messembe, Jebs area of Calabar South.”
Parts of her statement further disclosed that, “The gallant troops tactically sprung an ambush to take the kidnappers by surprise while in search of the victim. In the ensuing melee, the criminals abandoned the victim and fled into the creeks.
“Troops are, however, on the trail of the fleeing criminals. Meanwhile, the victim is currently receiving medical treatment, after which she will be discharged.”
She said that the Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to sustain the tempo against all criminal elements in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
The army urged members of the general public to continue to provide timely and accurate information on criminal activities within their vicinity to them.