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.
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 mobilised 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.
According to him, the 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 (OPWP), 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