Richard Duru, a retired Major General from the Nigerian Army has been abducted by some unknown gunmen in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.

Duru was said to have been carted away after he was ambushed by the gunmen.

Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director, Army Public Relations, could not be reached for a swift reaction on the matter as calls to his line indicated it was not reachable.

At the time of filing this report on Friday, September 29, 2023, Onyema had yet to respond to a message sent to him on the matter.

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Meanwhile, two military sources, who confirmed the incident on Friday, assured that troops had been deployed to ensure his safe release.

An Officer, who pleaded anonymity, said there are other security agents involved in the operation to rescue the Retired General and that they are closing in on the abductors to bring him home safely.

“The incident is not new.  He was abducted last week or thereabouts. His vehicle was also taken. He was waylaid by the criminals while on a journey.

“Efforts are being made to rescue him. They (security agents) are making progress and are closing in on the criminals, I can assure you; our troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, will ensure his safe return,” the source added.

Troops tracked the retired military officer’s mobile number to Mbaitoli in Imo State before it was switched off.

It partly read, “His phone was tracked to Mbaitoli in Imo State before it was switched off.

“Efforts are ongoing to locate the kidnappers and rescue the retired general. All are requested to make efforts using all contacts (though discreetly) to hasten the return of the kidnapped general.”