Troops kill bandit, rescue six abductees in Kaduna

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued at least six kidnapped victims and killed one of the bandits terrorising the Hayin Tsando general area of Maraban Jos, in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, disclosed this in a statement in Kaduna on Saturday.

According to Yahaya, during the operation, troops successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, recovered two AK47 rifles, and killed one of the bandits while scores escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

He said, “The ongoing clearance operation by troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army has continued to yield positive results.

“The gallant troops quickly mobilised and embarked on a search and rescue operation. The troops made contact with bandits/criminal elements and a heavy firefight ensued.

“During the operation, troops successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, captured two AK 47 rifles and neutralised one bandit while others escaped with several degrees of gunshot wounds.”

Yahaya quoted the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen Valentine Okoro, as hailing the gallantry of the troops.

He also urged the troops to continue their aggressive tempo until all criminal elements in the division’s area of responsibility were completely eradicated.