Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 36 indigenes of Benue State who were being held against their will in the Imaje Community, located within the Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The coordinated operation was executed at about 3:30 PM on Thursday by troops of the 130 Battalion (Rear) working in conjunction with the 341 Artillery Regiment. The joint force launched a targeted raid on the community following intelligence reports that a group of Benue civilians residing in the area had been forcibly detained.

According to statements provided by the rescued victims, the hostage situation was triggered by a localized communal clash. The crisis reportedly began when youths in Benue State allegedly assaulted an indigene of the Imaje community over a dispute involving livestock theft. In a retaliatory move, members of the Imaje community turned on the Benue indigenes living in their neighborhood, holding them hostage.

The swift tactical intervention by the military successfully secured the unhurt release of all 36 individuals, prevented further reprisal attacks, and restored normalcy to the border community.