.Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of the Nigerian Army successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the 9th Mile axis in Enugu State after responding to a distress call, rescuing five travellers without harm and securing the highway corridor against the attackers.
Military sources confirmed that the operation was launched following an emergency alert received by nearby security units. Acting on intelligence, troops rapidly mobilized toward the location where suspected kidnappers had attempted to intercept a group of travellers moving along the 9th Mile–Ngwo road network.
According to security officials, the kidnappers had positioned themselves along a vulnerable section of the highway, intending to ambush passing vehicles. However, the arrival of army personnel disrupted the operation before the attackers could complete the abduction.
The five rescued travellers were evacuated from the scene unharmed and later handed over to appropriate authorities for identification and further safety assessment. None of the victims sustained physical injuries during the encounter, military sources stated.
The 9th Mile corridor, located within the jurisdiction of Udi Local Government Area, has historically been regarded as a strategic transport route linking Enugu urban centres with surrounding communities. Security analysts note that criminal groups occasionally target such highways due to traffic density and potential ransom opportunities.
Following the rescue operation, troops conducted a sweeping patrol across adjoining forest and roadside areas to prevent regrouping of the suspected attackers. The operation also aimed to reassure commercial drivers and passengers who rely on the highway for intercity movement.
The army emphasized that the response was triggered by civilian distress communication channels established to enhance rapid reaction capability in vulnerable zones. Authorities urged residents and travellers to continue reporting suspicious movements promptly to security hotlines.
While the exact number of attackers involved in the aborted kidnapping was not disclosed, security personnel indicated that preliminary intelligence suggested the presence of multiple armed individuals before the troops arrived.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a persistent security challenge across several parts of southeastern and northwestern Nigeria. Security agencies have intensified highway patrols and intelligence monitoring in an effort to reduce the incidence of abduction-related crimes.
Community leaders in the 9th Mile area expressed relief following the successful rescue operation, describing the intervention as timely. Transport operators also welcomed the action, noting that the axis is a major commercial transit route connecting Enugu with other states.
The command structure of the Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to maintaining continuous surveillance along major highways and rural access roads. Officials assured the public that additional operational measures would be deployed where intelligence indicates elevated threat levels.
Security experts have called for sustained collaboration between local communities and security agencies to strengthen early warning systems. They argue that community reporting networks play a crucial role in detecting suspicious activities before attacks occur.
As normal movement gradually resumed along the 9th Mile axis, residents and travellers were advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the region.
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