Troops kill ’14’ insurgents, rescue abductees in Kaduna, Niger

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed about 14 insurgents and rescued abductees during operations in Niger and Kaduna states.

Musa Yahaya, acting deputy director of army relations, 1 division, announced the development in a statement on Sunday.

He said the troops also recovered weapons from the abductees.

“In continuation of the operations by troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army(NA) to rid the area of responsibility of violent extremists, insurgents and criminal element,” Yahaya said.

“The highly motivated troops in coordinated offensives in Kaduna and Niger States cleared insurgents and violent extremists from several hideouts neutralizing many and making significant recoveries.”

He said troops on December 23, during an operation in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, killed two insurgents, rescued 14 abducted persons and recovered weapons.

“A few military and warlike accessories were also discovered at the camp. Rescued persons were taken to a military medical facility for medical attention and subsequently reunited with their families,” he added.

Yahaya said the soldiers, during operations in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state, neutralised five insurgents and recovered motorcycles.

“In a follow on operation in Kaduna State, troops of the Division neutralized 3 insurgents at Maidaro in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area on 23 December 2023, troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 rifle magazine, one dane gun and two motorcycles,” he said.

“In Kidandan-Yadi general area of Birnin Gwari, troops offensive also led to the destruction of insurgents camp, troops neutralized 5 insurgents and recovered 12 motorcycles in the fire fight.

“Also, troops operating at the Kachia axis on 21 December 2023 in response to a kidnap incident successfully launched an ambush along Maro junction and made contact with the criminal kidnappers.

“In the fire fight that ensued, troops neutralized 3 of the kidnappers with others escaping with gunshot wounds.”

He further said on December 24, troops while acting on credible intelligence, raided insurgents’ hideout at Kwanar Batero in Kaduna and neutralised one insurgent.

Yahaya said Valentine Okoro, general commanding officer (GOC) of 1 division Nigerian Army, expressed his satisfaction on the successes recorded during the operations and commended the troops.