Troops of the Nigerian army have rescued kidnapped victims and arrested the perpetrators as well as some political thugs during the governorship elections in Imo, Abia and Cross River states.
Army spokesperson, Col. Sagir Musa, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday said several impostors on military uniform were also apprehended and arrested in the states.
He said: “Troops on patrol around power plant substation Odukpani local government area, Cross River State rescued Mr Authur Nkama who was earlier kidnapped at Ikot Ansa, in Calabar Municipal Area Council.
“In another development, troops also rescued INEC Staff abducted by hoodlums at Ohafia Technical College in Anna Village in Abia State on the 9th of March 2019. Four of the suspects have been arrested while efforts are on to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.”
Musa said that four impostors on military uniform: Chinedu Odogwu, Longinus Okelue, Oguzie Princewell and Kelvin Samalia, were arrested in Imo state while escorting a prominent female politicians in a political party vehicle.
“Accordingly, troops of 34 Brigade on Operation SAFE CONDUCT deployed around Osisioma junction, Abia State, also arrested one Allwell Enwereji and five others conveying already thumb printed ballot papers in his vehicle,” he said.
“On questioning, he claimed the ballot papers were specimens for campaign. Investigation is on to ascertain the culpability of the suspects.”
“Troops also intercepted and arrested suspected ballot box snatchers at Air force junction near Ngor Okpala local government area in Imo State on the 9th of March 2019. On sighting the troops, the suspects abandoned their vehicle and run into the bush. Items recovered included one Sienna Bus, one pump action gun with 11 live cartridge, voters cards and assorted ATMs bearing different names.”
He also said that five political thugs were nabbed at Lokpanta, on the 9th of March 2019 “while on their way to disrupt election in Lekwesi community in Abia State.”
Musa said camouflage trousers, daggers and assorted charms were among items recovered from the hoodlums.
