Troops rescue 13 hostages in Kaduna

Troops of Sector 4 Operation Whirl Punch have rescued 13 hostages from a kidnappers’ den in Kachia local government area of Kaduna.

In a statement issued by the overseeing Commissioner Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs on Saturday, Mr Samuel Aruwan remarked operational feedback from the troops revealed that they responded to credible intelligence about the bandits’ movement with the kidnapped victims to the general area of Chigulu village, in Kachia Local Government Area.

The statement noted that the troops subsequently mobilized for a rescue operation at the location of the suspected bandits’ camp.

According to the statement the troops arrived at the location and made contact with the bandits, saying, “An intense gun battle ensued at the base of a high ground in the area. The bandits were subdued and fled into the dense forest, abandoning their hostages.

“The security forces went on to rescue the 13 hostages, comprising six men and seven women, from the hideout.

“The troops dislodged the camp, and destroyed various items such as clothing and personal effects, at the site.

“Some items were recovered, including: One AK-47 rifle, One locally made rifle, Four AK-47 magazines, Eighty-seven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, Five mini solar panels  Five mobile phones, and N192,220 in cash.

“The rescued victims were conveyed to a military facility for examination and debriefing, before being reunited with their families.

“The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, expressed his happiness at the report. He praised the swift response of the troops – led by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army/Commander Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) Major General MLD Saraso – and congratulated them for the successful operation.

“The Governor conveyed his heartfelt goodwill to the rescued persons as they rejoined their families”.

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