Army rescues 18 kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops of the Joint Task Force in the Northwest zone, Operation Hadarin Daji, have rescued 18 kidnapped victims in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
This was contained in a press statement issued to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital, by the spokesman of the operation, Captain Yahaya Ibrahim.
He said on 9 September, the troops deployed at Forward Operating Base, FOB, in the Anka Local Government Area of the state rescued the victims after a gun duel with armed bandits along Anka-Baggega road.
He said the victims had been kidnapped from a Canter truck while conveying goods to Baggega market in Anka.
The statement further stated that the troops of FOB Hannutara rescued two other victims who were kidnapped from their farmlands, saying they were abandoned by their captors when they sighted the troops on routine and confidence-building patrol approaching the farm.
Read Also: Oil Theft: We’ve acquired aircrafts fitted to operate at night—NAF
“In the same vein, acting on a distress call from locals on armed bandits’ kidnapping activities in Danfanmi village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops of OPHD in Birnin Magaji immediately mobilized to the villages which led to the rescue of three victims.
“On 8 September 2023, troops of FOB Baggega in Zamfara State while on a fighting patrol intercepted and rescued six kidnapped victims who escaped from their captives in Gando forest. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped from Mahuta community in Kebbi State and have spent ten weeks in captivity.
“Military troops deployed at Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State rescued two females who were kidnapped at late hours when bandits invaded their community. The females were immediately taken to General Hospital Tsafe for medical attention.
“All rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authority to reunite them with their families,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the Commander, Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji, OPHD, Major General Godwin Mutkut, who also is the General Officer Commanding, GOC 8 Division Nigerian Army has continued to commend the troops for their vigor.
He encouraged them on their resilient and prompt response to distress calls which led to the rescue of the victims, stressing that he appreciated the collaborative efforts of the people of the Northwest for providing timely information to the troops.
General Mutkut assured the people of the troops’ commitment and dedication to providing adequate security to the people of the region.
Army rescues 18 kidnapped victims in Zamfara