NAF rescues seven kidnapped victims in Kaduna

The special forces of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have rescued seven kidnapped persons in the Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna state.

According to a statement released on Monday by Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s director of public relations and information, the victims were rescued during a night patrol by the troops.

The spokesperson added that the seven persons, including six females and a male, were abducted on Sunday in the neighbouring Niger state.

Gabkwet said all the rescued victims, except the male, have been taken to the NAF medical facility at Birnin Gwari for medical review.

“Nigerian Air Force (NAF) special forces on night patrol near Birnin Gwari in Kaduna state, rescued seven kidnapped victims comprising six females and a male, in the early hours of  August 6, 2023,” the statement reads.

“The female victims on interrogation, revealed that they were kidnapped from Paikoro in Niger state while the lone male victim stated that he was picked up against his will from Rijau in Niger State. On sighting the troops, the terrorists abandoned their victims and fled into a nearby forest.

“The victims were subsequently taken to the NAF medical facility at Birnin Gwari for review and subsequently released, less the male victim who is still being observed.

“The chief of air staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has since commended the efforts of the troops while calling for intensified efforts towards ensuring all areas within Kaduna state and environs are free of terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.”