No fewer than 13 kidnapped students have been rescued by soldiers deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Kaduna State.
The rescued students comprise six males and seven females.
A statement on X by the Nigerian Army on Friday said the students were rescued after a fierce gun duel with terrorists at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Army also said dangerous weapons were also recovered from the terrorists during the operation.
The post read, “In aggressive offensive operations against terrorism and insurgency, Nigerian Army troops have obliterated yet another terrorist stronghold, successfully rescuing kidnapped students, and seizing a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Troops also eliminated some insurgents, while some others were captured alive.
“On September 12, 2024, acting on reliable intelligence, troops stationed in Kaduna State launched a highly coordinated operation aimed at rescuing abducted persons from violent extremist camps.
“Engaging in an intense firefight at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area, the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandoning their captives.
“A thorough sweep of the area led to the rescue of 13 victims, comprising six males and seven females, as well as the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, four magazines, a locally fabricated rifle, and the sum of N192,220.00.
“Additionally, five solar panels, five mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing items were recovered. The rescued victims have been promptly evacuated to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital for medical attention.”
In another operation in the same local government, the Nigerian Army also said troops arrested two terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered the sum of N1.3m, among others, from the suspects.
“In another decisive operation, troops in Kachia Local Government Area have intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village.
“The troops confiscated the sum of N1,306,700.00, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, eight ATM cards, two Moniepoint PoS machines, an MTN MiFi, and other items from the suspects,” the post added.
According to the army, troops have also invaded a terrorist hideout, killed three terrorists, and arrested another three.
The sum of N4m and other dangerous weapons were recovered from the terrorists.
The post added, “In a separate operation in Suleja, Niger State, troops stormed a terrorist hideout, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“The troops’ overwhelming firepower led to the neutralisation of three terrorists, while three others, identified as Mallam Halalu, Mallam Suleiman, and Mr. Musa, were captured alive.
“The suspects led the troops to a hidden armoury, where 3 AK-47 rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, and the sum of N4,079,000.00 were recovered.
