[News] Troops neutralize four insurgents, rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army (NA) on fighting patrol in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State have neutralized four insurgents and rescued eleven kidnapped victims.

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

According to the statement, troops made contact with the insurgents on February 6.

“During the firefight that ensued, troops neutralized 4 insurgents while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, 7 AK 47 rifle magazines and 2 motorcycles,” the statement read.

“Similarly, troops of the Division deployed at Birnin Gwari received a tip-off on insurgents’ movement on 7 February 2024. The troops swiftly moved to intercept the insurgents at Kwaga village. The insurgents who could not withstand the firepower of the troops absconded into the forest in disarray abandoning their victims.

“The troops successfully rescued all 11 victims namely; Zakari Galadima 54 years (male), Ishaku Galadima 50 years (male), Habibu Illaysu 40 years (male), Nuzuli Ibrahim 18 years (male), Ramatu Aliyu 60 years (female), Ubaida Mubarak 30 years (female), Zaliha Mubarak 9 months (female), Umma Haruna 22 years (female), Khairatu Salisu 34 years (female), Rahamatu Usman 43 years (female), Rakiyia Yahaya 24 years (female) and recovered 1 motorcycle. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped on 6 February 2024 from their village at Masuku in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

“The victims were rendered medical attention by the medical team of the Division and reunited with their families.

“The General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA and Force Commander Operation WHIRL PUNCH, Maj Gen Valentine Okoro commended the troops for success.

“He appealed to the general public to continue to avail troops and other security agencies with real-time intelligence.

“He equally appealed to locals to report persons with gunshot wounds seeking paramedics’ attention to the troops or other security agencies for prompt action.”