Ops Harbin Kunama: Troops rescue 13 Kidnapped victims, Kill bandit in shootout

Ops Harbin Kunama/Troops rescue 13 Kidnapped victims/Kill bandit in shootout

The 1st division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, on Monday its troops of Operation Harbin Kunama, the outfit set up to rid North West of armed banditry and kidnapping, succeeded in rescuing 13 victims who were abducted from their farms by hoodlums in Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna state.

A statement by Col Ezindu Idimah, spokesman of 1 division said, “Following distress calls received from good Samaritans indicating the abduction of some farmers while working on their farms at the outskirts of Kuyelo community, in Birnin Gwari Local Area of Kaduna State, a patrol team from 1 Division Nigerian Army stationed at Super Camp Kuyello, on Exercise Harbin Kunama lll, swiftly pursed the bandits/kidnappers and rescued all the 13 kidnapped farmers after a serious exchange of fire with the criminals.

“During the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralized, while others obviously escaped with gunshot wounds.
“Soldiers are currently combing the general area which borders Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States”.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Major General Faruk Yahaya, has enjoined troops to always be proactive and decisive in dealing with criminals and associated insecurity in their respective areas of responsibilities.

He reiterated the resolve and determination of the Division and indeed the Nigerian Army to combating insurgency, banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other emerging security threats in Nigeria.

The GOC further urged law abiding citizens to go about their routine lawful activities without fear of molestation.

He also solicited the cooperation of the local communities in area of giving truthful information that would assist troops and other security agencies in the discharge of their duties of defending them from the bandits/criminals.

Ezindu Idimah
Colonel
Deputy Director
Army Public Relations