No fewer than 36 indigenes of Benue State have been rescued by Nigerian Army troops in Cross River State.
The victims were held hostage in Imaje Community, Yala Local Government Area, following a reprisal attack sparked by a livestock theft dispute.
Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident on Saturday, June 27, 2026, via a post on X.
According to Makama, troops from the 130 Battalion (Rear), in collaboration with the 341 Artillery Regiment, conducted the operation around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. The troops raided the location and successfully rescued all the hostages.
“The rescued victims reportedly told security operatives that the incident began after an indigene of Imaje Community was allegedly attacked by some youths from Benue State over the theft of livestock.
“They claimed that in retaliation, some members of the Imaje Community targeted Benue residents living in the area, attacking them and holding them against their will,” Makama said.
Makama added that calm has been restored in the community and that the timely military operation prevented further escalation of the conflict.