Troops of Sector 4 Operation Whirl Punch have dislodged terrorists from their hideouts and rescued 13 hostages from a kidnappers’ den in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
Samuel Aruwan, the state’s Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs who made this known in a statement also said the troops recovered arms and ammunitions from the bandits hideout.
Aruwan stated that the troops responded to credible human intelligence of bandits moving kidnapped victims in the general area of Chigulu village, Kachia and subsequently mobilized for a rescue operation at the location of the suspected bandits’ camp.
According to the commissioner, the troops arrived at the location and made contact with the bandits. He added that an intense gun battle ensued at the base of a high ground in the area which led to the bandits getting 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.
“The troops dislodged the camp, and destroyed various items like such as clothing and personal effects, at the site. Some items were recovered, including: One AK-47 rifle, One locally made rifle – Four AK-47 magazines , Eighty-seven rounds 7.62mm ammunition, Five mini solar panels, Five mobile phones and N192,220 in cash.
“The rescued victims were conveyed to a military facility for examination and debriefing, before being reunited with their families.
“The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, expressed his happiness at the report. He praised the swift response of the troops – led by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army/Commander Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) Major General MLD Saraso – and congratulated them for the successful operation,” Aruwan stated.