By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Kogi, while sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in its latest operational update covering Aug. 15 and Aug. 16, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday.

In Kogi, the troops of 21 Battalion rescued 13 victims abducted along the Alloma-Ejule Road in Ofu Local Government Area.

The troops had launched a search-and-rescue operation after the victims were abducted on Aug. 11.

The operation covered the Emeweopada-Abocho axis in Dekina Local Government Area, where sustained military pressure forced the kidnappers to flee.

“The victims were subsequently released and taken to the palace of the Onu Abocho for further action.

“In another incident in Ofu, troops responding to a suspected kidnapping attack along the Ochadamu-Okabo Road rescued a pregnant woman abandoned by kidnappers.

“The troops had discovered that four civilians, including the pregnant woman, were abducted by the criminals.

“The kidnappers abandoned the woman and fled after sighting the advancing troops from a distance.

“The rescued woman was subsequently reunited with her family,” the report said.

In Plateau, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to a report of the kidnapping of two civilians at Nhantina Village in Bokkos Local Government Area.

The troops discovered one of the victims with gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by the kidnappers.

The injured victim was evacuated to Bokkos Cottage Hospital for medical attention, while troops continued pursuit of the abductors.

“Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested another suspect linked to a notorious arms and explosives dealer in Zamfara.

“The development followed the Aug. 14 arrest of the arms dealer while transporting 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives along the Kaura-Zurmi Road in Zurmi Local Government Area.

“Based on information obtained from the suspect, troops of 1 Military Intelligence Regiment arrested another suspect at the Gusau Central Motor Park on Aug. 15,” the report said.

In Sokoto, troops responding to a terrorist attack at Jijira Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area forced the attackers to flee into nearby bushes.

According to the report, troops have begun efforts to track the fleeing terrorists, rescue the abducted persons and recover the rustled livestock.

“Troops also foiled an attack by suspected armed militias targeting Murish Community in Mangu Local Government Area.

“Troops responded to reports of sporadic shooting, forcing the suspected militias to withdraw from the area.

“They subsequently dominated the area to deny the criminal elements freedom of action,” it added.

The latest operations underscored the military’s continued focus on disrupting kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities while supporting efforts to restore peace in affected communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited Kamal Tayo Oropo

The October edition of Chaos in the Ring is set to take a new dimension, with Balmoral International Group boss, Ezekiel Adamu, revealing that women celebrities are being lined up to headline the next edition of the fast-growing boxing entertainment series.

Adamu, who spoke exclusively with Sports247, said preparations are already at an advanced stage, promising fans another memorable night when the event returns in October.

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“We are looking at getting women celebrities and we are almost done. The October edition of Chaos in the Ring will be the biggest yet. I won’t let the cat out of the bag yet, but you can be rest assured that the fans will have another memorable moment as our matchmakers are working on some huge fights,” Adamu said.

The Balmoral boss also explained the broader vision behind the event, stressing that Chaos in the Ring is designed to use boxing and entertainment as tools for youth engagement, tourism and national development.

According to him, sport has the unique ability to bring people together regardless of religion, politics or social background.

“Sports unite everyone. We don’t care about religion, political power or anything. We just dive into it. That’s what we are using sport as a tool for tourism and youth education,” he said.

Adamu also highlighted Balmoral’s ambition to build stronger international relationships and create opportunities for Nigerian fighters to compete on bigger stages.

He disclosed that the organisation has continued to strengthen its relationship with international promoters, with the long-term objective of having Nigerian boxers feature on major international cards.

“Bit by bit, brick by brick, we are getting there. We should be having a lot more world champions here in Nigeria, built in Nigeria and belonging to Nigeria,” he said.

On the controversial episode involving Portable and Okocha, Adamu admitted that the incident provided a major learning experience for the organisers.

He insisted that boxing events must protect the integrity of the sport and ensure that fighters honour their commitments once agreements are reached.

“I think we learned a lesson recently with the fight involving Portable and Okocha. It was a huge lesson. I don’t think we will be having that kind of fight where a fighter will just walk out of the ring without having to pay for it, the contracts all be tightened to prevent boxers walking away from fight without consequences”, Adamu stated.

He added that future editions would place greater emphasis on ensuring that fighters, spectators and other stakeholders have a professional experience.

Adamu also clarified Balmoral’s role as a promoter, stressing that the company does not manage the careers of the fighters it promotes.

He explained that managers are responsible for the long-term careers, training, welfare and financial interests of boxers, while Balmoral focuses on promotion and event creation.

“I always tell people, ‘know thyself.’ I know myself. I’m not a manager; I’m a creator,” Adamu said.

With the October edition already taking shape, expectations are high that Chaos in the Ring will continue to blend boxing, celebrity entertainment and sports promotion into one of Nigeria’s emerging combat-sports attractions.