Army rescues kidnapped Commissioner in Calabar 35 days after

Troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Calabar, deployed for Operation Akpakwu, have successfully rescued the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross Rivers State, Associate Prof Gertrude Nnanjar Njar on Tuesday 8 March 2023.

Njar who regained her freedom, late at night of International Women’s Day after calls by concerned stakeholders was kidnapped while driving back home on February 1, 2023, at Main Avenue Calabar South local government area of the state.

Her rescue was contained in a press statement issued to Newsmen on Wednesday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer, Captain Dorcas Oluwatope Aluko.

The statement read, “Acting on actionable intelligence on victim’s whereabouts, 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 the search for 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.

“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.” She stated in the release.

Aluko called on members of the general public to continue providing timely and accurate information on criminal activities within their vicinities.