From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Thirteen kidnapped victims in Kuyelo community in Birnin Gawri Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been rescued by troops of 1 Division Nigeria Army under exercise HARBIN KUNAMA III
The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Col Ezindu Idimah made the disclosure in a press statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The statement added that one suspected bandit was neutralised.
Idimah said the feat followed distress calls received from good Samaritans indicating the abduction of some farmers, who were working on their farms on the outskirts of Kuyelo community in the LG.
According to Idimah, an army patrol team stationed at Super Camp Kuyello pursued the bandits and rescued all the 13 kidnapped farmers after an exchange of fire.
He disclosed that during the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
He added that soldiers were currently combing the general area which borders Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States.
“The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Maj.-Gen Faruk Yahaya, has enjoined troops to always be proactive and decisive in dealing with criminals and associated insecurity in their respective areas of responsibilities,” the statement said.