In recent operations in the states of Niger and Kaduna, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division have neutralized 14 militants and freed kidnapped victims, the military said on Sunday.
Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya said in a statement via X that the troops liberated prisoners and cleaned out enemy hideouts while also making “significant recoveries” of weaponry.
“Soldiers attacked terrorists at Madawaki village in Niger State on Saturday, killing two and driving others from their homes. A motorcycle, magazines, and AK-47 rifles were found.
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Thirteen male kidnap victims were freed in October by forces from the camp of dead insurgent leader Ali Kachalla. A passport connected to a well-known rebel affiliate was also discovered.
“Troops advanced to the tent of the vanquished rebel leader, Ali Kachalla, where his foot soldiers shamelessly fled as the troops approached.
After a search of the camp, thirteen male abduction victims were found and freed. It was discovered that the victims had been kidnapped on October 13, 2023, in Niger State.
An international passport thought to belong to a well-known rebel affiliate was among the items found at the camp, according to the statement.
Eight rebels were slain in similar raids in Kaduna State on Thursday and Friday, and Yahaya reported that caches of weapons, money, and vehicles were taken.
“Three kidnappers were killed and one abductee was freed following an ambush near Maro Junction.” In Kwanar Batero, another rebel was defeated early on Saturday.
Additionally, on December 21, 2023, troops responding to a kidnapping incident at the Kachia axis successfully launched an ambush along Maro junction and established contact with the criminal kidnappers.
Three of the kidnappers were neutralized by the army during the ensuing gunfight, while the rest managed to escape with bullet wounds. In addition to saving an individual who had been kidnapped, the troops also found fifteen thousand naira, two cell phones, a motorcycle, and two cutlasses.
Mr. Rabiu Ahmed, the 25-year-old victim who was saved, was sent immediately to a military hospital in the area. After receiving treatment, the statement continued, “he was given his dispossessed belongings back and was reunited with his family.”
Maj. Gen. Valentine Okoro, the commander of Operation Whirl Punch, commended the soldiers for suppressing insurgency in the area. The army, he said, is still dedicated to bringing security back to northern Nigeria.