Seven Chinese expatriates were reportedly rescued by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Detachment’s Special Forces in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State on Saturday.
The development was announced in a press release on Saturday which was signed by Edward Gabkwet, the Nigerian Air Force’s director of public relations and information.
The victims, who were rescued from a mining site in Ajata-Aboki, Gurmana Ward of Shiroro Local Government, Niger State, were allegedly kidnapped by terrorists in June 2022.
A 35 Special Forces that made up the Combat Search and Rescue operation, which was carried out at night in the general areas of Kanfani Doka and Gwaska, forced the terrorists to flee for their lives while leaving behind their weapons, kidnapped Chinese victims, and enclaves.
According to the statement, “After the successful operations, the 7 Chinese victims were flown to the 271 NAF Detachment Medical Centre for evaluation where 2 of the victims were stabilized. Subsequently, the 7 victims were flown to the NAF Base Medical Hospital, Kaduna for further medical investigations.
“The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has since congratulated the Commander of the 271 NAF Detachment, Birnin Gwari and his men for their continued determination and commitment, even in the face of danger, as they make an inroad into the final fringes of terrorists’ enclaves in Kaduna State and the Northwest in general. I am very proud of what our Special Forces in Birnin Gwari and elsewhere have continued to achieve and I remain confident that we will soon free all areas of terrorists and their activities.”
Air Marshal Amao also urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security organizations by continuing to provide information that will help identify criminal elements and those who support them.
The Nigerian Air Force’s victory has received the highest praise from the Kaduna State Government.
In a statement released on Saturday, Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, disclosed that Nasir El-Rufai had expressed pleasure with the report.
The governor also expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff, the Commander, and the members of the 271 NAF detachment for their courage during the Special Forces operation.
He promised to keep the masses informed about latest developments.
