Kidnapped soldier escapes from captors, returns to military base

A Nigerian soldier who was abducted by suspected kidnappers has escaped from captivity and safely reached a military facility in Makurdi, Benue State.

Security sources said the soldier, attached to the 130 Battalion (Main), Baga, was abducted on June 27 while travelling on welfare pass to the Rear location of the battalion in Ogoja, Cross River State.

The sources disclosed that at about 11:53 a.m. on June 30, intelligence from the 401 Intelligence Cell in Makurdi confirmed that the soldier had escaped from his captors and made his way to the 72 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi.

The circumstances surrounding his escape were not immediately disclosed.

Military authorities are making arrangements to move the soldier to the 130 Battalion (Rear) in Ogoja for debriefing, medical evaluation and other administrative procedures.

Security sources said further investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances of the abduction and identify those responsible. (Zagazola)