Troops neutralise terrorists, rescue kidnap victims in Edo

In its concerted efforts to end insurgency activities in the country, troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) High Command have successfully defended Damba Dikko village, a community in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto from the heavy attack of terrorists.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by Director of Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday.

The statement explained that the terrorists had on Wednesday, March 6th this year stormed the village to forcefully extort levies from the villagers.

According to the Army, “Responding to a distress call, vigilant troops swiftly stormed the village and engaged the insurgents in a gun duel, neutralising two of them and rescuing two villagers held hostage by the insurgents.

“The rescued villagers who suffered minor injuries have been given medical attention by Nigerian Army paramedics”.

It further added that on the same day, troops of the Nigerian Army in an audacious rescue operation, extricated four kidnap victims abducted by a notorious gang of Kidnappers in Edo.

“The Kidnappers had forcefully taken their captives, including a lady and three men into Ososo forest in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state, but were tracked and intercepted by the gallant troops, who engaged the criminals in firefight and extricated the abductees.

“The troops apprehended one of the kidnappers, who is currently undergoing preliminary investigation and will be subsequently handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency.

“One of the rescued victims who suffered from shock and fatigue has been evacuated to a medical facility, where he is receiving treatment, while others have been handed over to their families,” the statement partly read.

The statement added that while appreciating the members of the public for their cooperation with the troops and other security agencies in the fight against security challenges in the country, the Nigerian Army encouraged them to continue to be vigilant and promptly report any suspected attempt to breach the security to relevant agencies.