Troops ‘kill four terrorists, rescue 11 kidnap victims’ in Kaduna

Troops of 1 division of the Nigerian Army (NA) reportedly killed four terrorists during a patrol in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna.

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

Yahaya said the terrorists were killed during a firefight with the troops on February 6.

He said the troops rescued 11 kidnap victims who were abducted from Masuku in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.

“During the firefight that ensued, troops neutralized 4 insurgents while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, 7 AK 47 rifle magazines and 2 motorcycles,” the statement reads.

“Similarly, troops of the Division deployed at Birnin Gwari received a tip off on insurgents movement on 7 February 2024.

“The troops swiftly moved to intercept the insurgents at Kwaga village. The insurgents who could not withstand the firepower of the troops absconded into the forest in disarray, abandoning their victims.

“The troops successfully rescued all 11 victims namely; Zakari Galadima 54 years (male), Ishaku Galadima 50 years (male), Habibu Illaysu  40 years (male), Nuzuli Ibrahim 18 years (male), and Ramatu Aliyu 60 years (female).”

Others rescued from the abductors are Ubaida Mubarak, Zaliha Mubarak, a 9-month-old baby, Umma Haruna, Khairatu Salisu, Rahamatu Usman, and Rakiyia Yahaya.

He said the troops recovered one motorcycle from the terrorists, adding that the victims received medical attention and have been reunited with their family.

Valentine Okoro, the general officer commanding 1 division and force commander operation WHIRL PUNCH, commended the troops for the success.

Okoro urged the public to continue to support the troops and report persons with gunshot injuries to the military or other security agencies.