The Nigerian Army says it has rescued Gertrude Njar, commissioner for women affairs in Cross River who was abducted by gunmen over a month ago.
Njar was abducted on February 1 in Calabar, the state capital. Her abductors later demanded N150 million for her release.
In a statement on Thursday, Dorcas Aluko, army spokesperson of the 13 Brigade in Calabar, said the commissioner was rescued after the military ambushed the kidnappers.
“Acting on actionable intelligence on victim’s whereabout, troops laid a tacit ambush for the kidnappers around Peter Effiong Creek, Messembe, Jebs,” NAN quoted Aluko as saying.
“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.”
According to the statement, Njar is currently receiving medical attention.
Aluko added that the troops were on the trail of the fleeing criminals and urged the public to continue providing timely and accurate information on criminal activities.
