The troops of Sector 4 Operation Whirl Punch have rescued 13 hostages from a kidnappers’ den in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Mr Samuel Aruwan, announced in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna. The rescue mission followed credible intelligence reports that led the forces to the remote location
Aruwan said: “According to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the troops responded to credible human intelligence of bandits moving kidnapped victims in the general area of Chigulu village, Kachia LGA.”
He said the troops subsequently mobilized for a rescue operation at the location of the suspected bandits’ camp.
“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 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,“ he said.
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He said the e troops dislodged the camp, and destroyed various items, like clothing and personal effects, at the site.
He said: “Some items were recovered included, one AK-47 rifle, one locally made rifle, four AK-47 magazines , 87 rounds 7.62mm ammunition, five mini solar panels, five mobile phones and N192,220 in cash.”
Aruwan disclosed that the rescued victims were conveyed to a military facility for examination and debriefing, before being reunited with their families.
He said Gov. Uba Sani, expressed his happiness at the report.
Sani praised the swift response of the troops, led by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army/Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso and congratulated them for the successful operation.
He said the governor conveyed his heartfelt goodwill to the rescued persons as they rejoined their families.
The governor also reassured residents of the state that the government remains committed to addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and unemployment, which often drive young people into the arms of criminal groups.
Despite recent military successes, security experts caution that the fight against banditry in Kaduna and other northern states remains far from over. They call for continued military pressure, intelligence gathering, and collaboration between security forces and local communities to sustain the momentum.
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