Nigerian Troops Foil Kidnap Attempts, Rescue Victims, Recover Cattle in Zamfara State

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD) have successfully thwarted two kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing 17 kidnap victims and recovering 130 rustled cattle in a series of operations.

In a statement by Captain Yahaya Ibrahim on behalf of the Information Officer, OPHD, it was revealed that on September 14, 2023, troops acted on a distress call and foiled a kidnap attempt, rescuing two victims and a commercial vehicle carrying foodstuff in Shinkafi LGA of the state.

Furthermore, ground troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Danjiba, during a routine patrol on the same day, intercepted and rescued three kidnap victims. These victims had been abducted from their farmlands and held captive in Dangajeru forest but managed to escape due to the intensified clearance operation by troops in the area.

On September 13, 2023, troops intercepted and rescued eight kidnap victims at Baggega in Zamfara State. Preliminary investigations revealed that these victims had been in captivity for eight weeks and escaped from Gando forest thanks to recent offensive operations and constant fighting patrols in the area.

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In addition, on September 12, 2023, troops acting on intelligence reports about the movement of a large number of rustled animals by bandits in Anka LGA of Zamfara State rescued 130 animals. The bandits were engaged and forced to flee, leaving behind the rustled animals.

Finally, on September 11, 2023, troops swiftly responded to a distress call regarding the kidnapping of individuals by armed bandits in Bunkasau village, Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State. The bandits were forced to abandon the victims and flee in disarray, resulting in the rescue of four male victims.

All the rescued kidnap victims have been successfully reunited with their families, and the recovered cattle have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for return to their rightful owners.

The Commander of Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD) and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Godwin Mutkut, commended the troops for their relentless efforts and commitment in rescuing the victims. He urged them to remain on the offensive to deny criminals freedom of action.