Troops rescue 11 hostages from bandits in Kaduna

Troops of Operation Forest Sanity have rescued 11 persons during a patrol in Birinin Gwari and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna state.

Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday.

He identified the victims as Joseph Ishaku, John Bulus, Jimre Shedrack, Jonathan Shedrack, Angelina Shedrack, Abigail Shedrack, Gloria Shedrack and her four children.

Aruwan said bandits opened fire on the troops who were on patrol along the Birnin Gwari-Gayam-Kuriga-Manini axis, and the troops responded in kind, forcing the bandits to flee and leave behind their captives.

“Troops of Operation Forest Sanity have rescued 11 kidnapped persons during a fighting patrol spanning Birnin Gwari and Chikun LGAs,” the statement reads.

“According to operational feedback, the troops came under fire from bandits while on patrol along the Birnin Gwari-Gayam-Kuriga-Manini axis.

“The troops returned fire and promptly subdued the bandits, who fled into the forests, leaving behind the captives in their custody.

“The Government of Kaduna State commended the troops and thanked them for their brave efforts in rescuing the victims.”

Aruwan added that the victims have been reunited with their families.