Two suspected kidnappers were killed during a security operation that rescued a 29-year-old man abducted in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, the Department of State Services (DSS) has said.
The victim, identified as Ibeabuchi Adibenma, was kidnapped at about 7 p.m. on August 18 near Afor-Ogidi Market in Isiala Amaifeke community.
According to a DSS statement issued in Owerri, Adibenma was returning from Umuna Market, Orlu, when armed men operating on two motorcycles intercepted his vehicle and forced him to an undisclosed location.
The kidnappers later contacted his family and demanded N15 million for his release.
Security operatives, working with local vigilantes, launched a coordinated operation on August 20 and located the victim at Ihioma Community in Orlu.
The DSS said two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate were killed during the operation, while two high-calibre weapons and ammunition were recovered.
Adibenma was taken into protective custody after his rescue and later reunited with his family.
The DSS commended the participating security agencies and local vigilantes for their cooperation in the operation.
The agency said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in Imo communities.
