Troops of the One Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army deployed at Birnin Yero in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have rescued nine people who were kidnapped by bandits at Anguwan Maharba and Dandami villages within the council area.

According to a Monday statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the troops who were on routine patrol in the General Area of Kanzaure received credible intelligence on the kidnap incident of eleven civilians at Anguwan Maharba and Dandami villages by bandits.

He said in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, the troops swiftly mobilized and laid ambush on the bandits’ crossing point on Friday 8 December 2023.

According to him, the troops overpowered the bandits in a gun battle and successfully rescued nine of the kidnapped victims, while some of the bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.

The army spokesman, however, announced that two of the kidnapped victims, Safiya Saidu and Saadatu Saidu were killed by the bandits before the arrival of the troops.

He gave the names of the rescued victims as Inusa Bala 45, Halima Gambo 36, Halima Saidu, 35; Ladi Musa, 35; Aisha Basiru, 30; Inusa Saidu, 22; Faiza Inusa, 10; Dahara Saidu, 10; and Shahid Inusa, 1 year and five months.

During the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine, and one locally made weapon from the bandits.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch Major General Valentine Okoro has commended the troops for their resilience and charged them not to relent in ensuring the peace and safety of citizens in the Division’s Area of responsibility.

Additionally, the GOC urged the residents of Kaduna State to continue availing troops and other security agencies with credible intelligence.