Troops rescue farmers, destroy bandits’ hideouts in Kaduna

Troops of Operation Thunder Strike have rescued two farmers in Gadanin Gwari, Gwagwada district of Chikun local government area of Kaduna state.

The farmers, both women, were on their way to farm when suspected bandits abducted them.

Samuel Aruwan, the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, in a statement on Saturday said the troops went after the bandits, destroying their hideouts.

“According to the operational feedback to the Kaduna state government, the women were suddenly abducted as they made their way to their farm. The troops on patrol tracked down the criminals and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and run for their lives,” he said.

“After securing the women, the troops pursued the bandits, destroying many bandit camps along the way. The bandits were eventually trapped in Gajina settlement also in Chikun LGA. Three of the kidnappers were apprehended and are now in custody, while the rescued women have returned to their homes.

“Furthermore, the troops of Operation Thunder Strike and the newly inducted troops of the Nigerian Army Women Corps have continued aggressive patrols along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. The patrol was hitch-free, with no incidents recorded as of yesterday, Friday.”

The commissioner said in another incident, police personnel rescued two persons who were abducted at Kurmin Idon axis of Kaduna-Kachia Road in Kajuru local government area.

The police, he said, gave the bandits a chase and rescued the two victims, while one other victim was able to escape on his own.

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed his satisfaction with the reports, and commended the troops and personnel for their pro-active efforts in rescuing the victims and arresting the three bandits,” he said.