Army rescues 32 kidnap victims, neutralizes two terrorists in Katsina

The Nigerian Army reported that 32 kidnap victims were rescued by its troops during a search-and-rescue mission in Katsina State. Yahaya Ibrahim, the Information Officer of Operation Hadarin Daji, revealed in a statement on Tuesday that two suspected terrorists were also killed in the operation on Saturday.

Ibrahim explained that the troops engaged in a gun battle with the terrorists, resulting in the death of two suspects, while others managed to escape with injuries. The successful operation took place on January 27, 2024, during a clearance mission in the Dumburum forest, targeting identified terrorist camps.

The rescued individuals, comprising 19 male adults, 12 female adults, and four children, were handed over to the Katsina State Government by Brigadier General OA Fadairo, the Commander of 17 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation Hadarin Daji. Fadairo expressed commitment to further attacking terrorist enclaves.

In a previous report on January 4, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji had neutralized 10 terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims between Zamfara and Katsina States. They also recovered arms, ammunition, operational motorcycles, and communication gadgets.

On December 23, 2023, the troops rescued 52 kidnap victims in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, including 14 males, 32 females, and six children. These victims would undergo medical examinations, debriefing, and be handed over to appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.

In a related development on November 23, 2023, the same troops rescued 31 kidnapped persons in various areas of Sokoto State. Under the command of Major General Godwin Mutkut, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto, the troops continued to intensify their efforts with a series of clearance operations against terrorist enclaves in the North West.