The Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River, Mrs. Gertrude Njar, was freed from captivity by soldiers from the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, who were deployed for Operation Akpakwu.
Capt. Dorcas Aluko, Army Public Relations Officer, 13 Brigade, Calabar, released a statement on Wednesday announcing her rescue.
On February 1st, the Commissioner was abducted in Calabar South’s Mayne Avenue neighbourhood.
”Acting on actionable intelligence on victim’s whereabout, troops laid a tacit ambush for the kidnappers around Peter Effiong Creek, Messembe, Jebs.
”The gallant troops tactically sprung an ambush to take the kidnappers by surprise while on search of the victim.
”In the ensuing melee, the criminals abandoned the victim and fled into the creeks,” Aluko said.
She added that the troops were on the trail of the fleeing criminals.
According to Aluko, the victim is currently receiving medical treatment, after which she will be discharged.
”The Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army commends troops for their gallantry and urges them to sustain the tempo against all criminal elements in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
”Members of the general public are also encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information on criminal activities within their vicinities,” she said. (NAN)