… As Bayelsa’s Gov. Diri commends security agencies for rescuing kidnapped expatriate***

Troops conducting Exercise Golden Dawn under Sector 3, have foiled an attempted kidnap and robbery of Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma at the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat at Orlu in Imo.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said that troops in response to a distress call at about 2:30 am on Sunday, swiftly moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels.

He said the Bishop, his Secretary and Assistant Secretary were safe and unhurt.

Nwachukwu said the Nigerian army troops would continue to deny freedom of action to members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) and other criminal gangs in the South West.

Also read: Troops eliminate 38 terrorists, 1,199 surrender in 2 weeks – DHQ

He added that the troops had remained resolute in ensuring the coming election in Anambra was safely conducted as well as the yuletide season.

“Members of the public are advised to report the suspicious movement of criminals as well as hideouts of the outlawed IPOB/ESN to law enforcement agencies as the group is only out to intimidate, steal and kidnap law-abiding citizens for ransom,” he said.

In another development, Gov. Duoye Diri of Bayelsa on Sunday in Yenagoa commended security agencies for the swift rescue of an expatriate kidnapped by gunmen.

Diri gave the commendation in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Doubara Atasi.

The governor said the immediate rescue of the expatriate, an employee of PAACHE Construction Ltd., showed resilience and professionalism on the part of the security operatives.

“The state government is grateful; the security agencies ensured swift response and their effort yielded immediate result,’’ he said.

The governor also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring adequate protection of lives and property in the state.

“Our government has zero-tolerance for crime and violence. We shall never tolerate crime,’’’ he said.

Diri urged security agencies in the state to trail members of the kidnap gang who might have escaped with bullet wounds during the rescue mission.

He cautioned community leaders against harbouring criminals or providing care for those injured while committing crimes.

“As good citizens, we need to support security agencies with intelligence to tackle crime more effectively,’’ he said.

The governor urged investors and residents in the state to go about their businesses without fear, saying: “We are committed to ensuring your safety and security.’’

PAACHE Construction Ltd. is the firm handling the 4.5-kilometer Igbedi Road project in Bayelsa.