Troops kill three ‘bandits’, rescue eight kidnap victims in Kaduna

The Kaduna government says troops stationed at Maraban Rido area have killed three suspected bandits and rescued eight abductees in the state.

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Aruwan, the three suspected bandits were killed during separate operations by troops in Chikun, Giwa and Igabi LGAs.

“Military authorities have reported to the Kaduna state government that troops engaged and repelled terrorists during operations in Chikun and Igabi local government areas,” he said.

“According to the first operational feedback, troops in the Maraban Rido general area of Chikun LGA responded to sounds of gunfire and swiftly mobilised towards the target location in Ungwan Musa. The troops fought their way through an ambush, which they cleared aggressively as they approached the scene of the attack.

“An intense firefight followed at the targeted building. The troops’ superior firepower eventually prevailed over the terrorists who escaped through a back fence with gunshot wounds, as confirmed by bloodstains that lined their exit.

“The troops pursued the terrorists through their withdrawal route and in the process rescued eight persons who had initially been taken, hostage. One of the outlaws was neutralised by the troops during the operation.

“Similarly, an attack at Unguwar Tasha in Birnin Yero general area of Igabi LGA was successfully foiled by security forces when terrorists tried to force their way into residential buildings in the area. One of the bandits was neutralised in this operation.

“Also, a terrorists’ attack was foiled in Hayin Kanwa, Giwa LGA. One of the terrorists was similarly neutralised during the encounter.”

The commissioner added that Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, commended the troops for their quick response to the attacks and effort towards ensuring that the victims were rescued.