Troops of Nigerian Army rescue kidnapped victims in North West

Troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Haradin Daji (OPHD) have rescued several kidnapped victims and captured equipment in the Northwest region of Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto states.

Yahaya Ibrahim, Captain for Force Information Officer, Operation Hadarin Daji, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

According to him, the feat happened through continued intensification of operations against marauding bandits in the region.

Acting on an actionable intelligence report on 5th August, 2023, on the massing up of armed bandits at Gidan Jaja of Zurmi LGA in Zamfara state, troops of the OPHD deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Zurmi immediately mobilized for a fighting patrol to the general area in order to dislodge the bandits.

Due to the troops’ superior firepower, the bandits were forced to flee in disarray with possible gunshot wounds. After the encounter, 11 operational motorcycles were captured from the fleeing bandits.

In a similar development, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Anka in Zamfara state rescued 4 kidnapped victims in the early hours (4am) of 5th August, 2023. This was achieved following credible intelligence from locals that several people were kidnapped at Gangamai village in Gwashi District of Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara state.

“The troops immediately mobilized for a rescue mission to the village and made contact with the bandits.  Due to the troops’ tactical abilities and fire superiority, we forced the bandits to flee and abandon their captives,” Ibrahim said.

Also, troops of FOB Bini, while on patrol, rescued 2 kidnapped victims who were abandoned by marauding bandits and fled on sighting troops.

Meanwhile, all the rescued victims were successfully reunited with their families.

The spokesperson spoke further, “The Commander Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General Godwin Mutkut, has commended the resilience and commitments of the troops. He charged them not to relent in their efforts and they should continue to be on the offensive to deny the bandits any freedom of action.

“Gen Mutkut also called on the people of the region to be very vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious movement or persons to the security agencies close to them.”