Troops kill ‘bandit, rescue 15 kidnap victims’ in Zamfara

Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji, have reportedly killed one bandit during an attempt to abduct residents in Tsohuwar Tasha area, Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Suleiman Omale, information officer of the operation, said the troops rescued 15 kidnap victims from the bandits.

Omale said the troops engaged the bandits in a gun battle, adding that many of them fled the location with gunshot wounds.

“In a swift response to a distress call, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji thwarted a massive abduction attempt by bandits in the Tsohuwar Tasha area of Kaura Namoda local government area of Zamfara,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“On March 5, 2024, the troops engaged the bandits in a heavy gunfight, forcing them to withdraw in disarray through a riverline.

“Pursuing the fleeing criminals, our gallant troops neutralized one of the assailants along their withdrawal route while others fled with gunshot wounds.”

He said the victims comprise eight females and seven males.

“The restoration of normalcy in the area is now secured, bolstered by confidence-building patrols. The troops remain on high alert, with morale at its peak,” he said.

He added that Godwin Mutkut, general officer commanding 8 division of the Nigerian army in Sokoto, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience.