Troops rescue 30 kidnap victims in Niger, Plateau, Bauchi operations

This is contained in an operational report made available on Tuesday in Abuja.

The report said troops rescued 21 victims at Sabon Wuri and Abaha communities in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger.

It said troops from 391 Army Regiment, 48 Battalion, 178 Battalion and 18 Brigade Quick Response Force conducted a fighting patrol in the communities on Monday.

According to the report, troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee before rescuing the victims during an exploitation of the area.

In Plateau, troops rescued four kidnapped persons along the Rafin Sanyi-Forest axis in Riyom Local Government Area on Monday.

The report said troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to intelligence on suspected kidnappers and engaged them.

“The kidnappers reportedly fled, abandoning their victims, who were subsequently rescued and moved to the troops’ location for further action.

“Similarly, troops rescued a kidnapped woman and her baby at Bogwas in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

“The victims, who were reportedly abducted about three weeks ago from the Mai Ari general area, said their abductors abandoned them in the bush after an encounter with troops.

“In another operation, troops rescued three kidnapped persons at Duguri (in Bauchi State) after they escaped during an encounter between troops and terrorists at Dajin Madam,” it said.

The report said the rescued victims were in military custody for further action.

It added that troops of Operation Enduring Peace neutralised a suspected terrorist during an engagement near Wanka Village in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau.

The troops, reportedly deployed at a blocking position in Kukawa, engaged a large group of terrorists on motorcycles, killing one while others fled.

“Items recovered included four motorcycles, two mobile phones and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

“In Kwara, troops of 22 Brigade responded to a kidnapping incident at Usin Gada community in Ilorin East Local Government Area early Tuesday,” it said.

The report said suspected terrorists, who infiltrated the community on foot, killed one resident, injured three others and abducted another person before fleeing.

It added that the injured victims were evacuated to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital for treatment, while efforts continued to rescue the abducted person. (NAN)