Troops rescue 13 kidnap victims in Kaduna

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 13 hostages from bandits in Chigulu village, Kachia LGA of Kaduna state.

In a statement on Saturday, Samuel Aruwan, the overseeing commissioner of the ministry of internal security and home affairs in Kaduna, said troops of sector 4 of Operation Whirl Punch trailed the bandits to their location following credible intelligence.

Aruwan said the troops engaged the bandits in an intense gun battle, which led to the rescue of the hostages.

“The troops arrived at the location and made contact with the bandits. An intense gun battle ensued at the base of a high ground in the area,” the statement reads.

“The bandits were subdued and fled into the dense forest, abandoning their hostages.

“The security forces went on to rescue the 13 hostages, comprising six men and seven women, from the hideout.

“The troops dislodged the camp and destroyed various items as clothing and personal effects at the site.

“Some of the items recovered from the criminals include one AK-47 rifle, one locally made rifle, four AK-47 magazines, 87 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five mini solar panels, five mobile phones, and N192,220 cash.”

Aruwan said those rescued were taken to a military facility for examination before they were reunited with their families.

He added that Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna, commended the troops for their swift response.