Troops Rescue 18 Kidnapped Victims In 4 Northern States

The troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation HADARIN DAJI, led by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, have rescued over 18 kidnapped victims in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto states, respectively.

Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, Force Information Officer, Operation HADARIN DAJI, stated in a statement issued on Sunday, September 10, 2023, that the rescued victims were transferred to a hospital for medical treatment.

“These successes were achieved recently on 9 September 2023 when the troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Anka LGA of Zamfara state successfully rescued 5 kidnapped victims after a gun duel with armed bandits along Anka – Baggega Road in Zamfara state,” the statement read.

“The victims were abducted by armed bandits who blocked Anka – Baggega Road and abducted several kidnapped persons in a Canter Truck while conveying goods to Baggega Market in Anka LGA.

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“Similarly, Troops of FOB Hannutara in Zamfara state rescued 2 victims who were kidnapped from their farmlands. They were abandoned by their captors when they sighted the troops on routine and confidence-building patrol approaching the farm.

“In the same vein, acting on distress calls from locals on armed bandits kidnapped activities in Danfanmi village in Kaura Namoda LGA. Troops of OPHD in Birnin Magaji immediately mobilized to the villages which led to the rescue of 3 victims

“Relatedly, on 8 September 2023, troops of FOB Baggega in Zamfara state while on a fighting patrol intercepted and rescued 6 kidnapped victims who escaped from their captives in Gando forest. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped from the Mahuta community in Kebbi state and spent ten weeks in captivity

“Furthermore, troops deployed at Tsafe LGA of Zamfara state rescued 2 females who were kidnapped in the 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 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 vigour, resilient and prompt response to a distress call which led to the rescue of the victims.

“He also 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.”