In their ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other sundry crimes the troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation HADARIN DAJI under the command of the General officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army have again rescued over 18 kidnapped victims in its Areas of Responsibilities covering Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto states respectively.
This was revealed today (Sunday) in a statement signed and made available to SMARTS NEWS by Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, on behalf of the Force Information Officer, Operation HADARIN DAJI.
Captain Ibrahim noted that, the successes were achieved recently on the 9 September 2023 when the troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Anka LGA of Zamfara state successfully rescued 5 kidnapped victims after a gun duel with armed bandits along Anka – Baggega Road in Zamfara state. The victims were abducted by armed bandits who blocked Anka – Baggega Road and abducted several kidnapped persons in a Canter Truck while conveying goods to Baggega Market in Anka LGA .
He further said, troops of FOB Hannu-tara in Zamfara state also rescued 2 victims who were kidnapped at their farm lands and abandoned by their captors when they sighted the troops on routine and confidence building patrol approaching the farm.
Ibrahim said another feat was recorded when troops of the OPHD, Birnin Magaji acted on distress call from locals on armed bandits’ kidnapped activities in Danfanmi village in Kaura Namoda LGA and immediately mobilized to the villages which led to the rescue of 3 victims.
“Relatedly, on 8 September 2023, troops of FOB Baggega in Zamfara state while on a fighting patrol intercepted and rescued 6 kidnapped victims who escaped from their captives in Gando forest. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped from Mahuta community in Kebbi state and have spent ten weeks in captivity.” the statement read in part.
According to the force Information Officer, troops deployed at Tsafe local government area of Zamfara state rescued 2 females who were kidnapped at late hours when bandits invaded their community. The females were immediately taken to General Hospital Tsafe for medical attention.
Meanwhile, all the rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authority to reunite them with their families.
Captain Ibrahim added that the Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD), Major General Godwin Mutkut who also is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army has commend the troops for their vigor, resilient and prompt response to distress call which led to the rescue of the victims.
He also appreciated the collaborative efforts of the people of the Northwest for providing timely information to the Troops. General Mutkut assured the people of the troops commitments and dedication in providing adequate security to the people of the region.