Troops kill two ‘gunmen’, rescue kidnap victims in Sokoto

The Nigerian Army says its troops have killed two suspected gunmen and rescued two hostages in Damba Dikko village in Illela LGA of Sokoto.

In a statement on Thursday, Onyema Nwachukwu, director of army public relations, said the gunmen attacked the villagers seeking to extort levies from them.

Nwachukwu said the troops responded to a distress call and engaged the assailants in a firefight.

He said the rescued victims who suffered minor injuries were treated by the Nigerian army paramedics.

“They were tracked and intercepted by the gallant troops, who engaged the criminals in firefight and extricated the abductees,” the statement reads.

“The troops apprehended one of the kidnappers, who is currently undergoing preliminary investigation and will be subsequently handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency.

“One of the rescued victims who suffered from shock and fatigue has been evacuated to a medical facility, where he is receiving treatment, while others have been handed over to their families.

“Together, we can restore peace and stability in our various communities, states and nation.”

Nwachukwu added that the troops had rescued four victims abducted by a notorious gang of kidnappers in Edo state on the same day.

He said the kidnappers had forcefully taken their captives, including a lady and three men, into Ososo forest in Akoko Edo LGA of the state.

The army spokesperson thanked members of the public for their cooperation with troops and other security agencies in the fight against security challenges in the country.

He urged  members of the public to always be vigilant and promptly report suspicions activities.