Troops of the Nigerian Army, deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Kaduna State, have successfully rescued 13 kidnapped students after a fierce gunfight with terrorists.
The students, six males and seven females, were freed during an operation in Chigbolu village, located in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to a statement shared on X by the Nigerian Army on Friday, the rescue mission unfolded following reliable intelligence, leading to a well-coordinated offensive against the terrorists.
The statement emphasized that the operation not only led to the rescue of the abducted students but also resulted in the capture of dangerous weapons from the insurgents.
The statement 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.”
Detailing the rescue effort, the Army explained, “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.”
Following the operation, a thorough sweep of the area resulted in the rescue of the 13 students. In addition to freeing the hostages, the troops seized a range of weapons and other valuable items.
“A thorough sweep of the area led to the rescue of 13 victims, comprising 6 males and 7 females, as well as the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, 4 magazines, a locally fabricated rifle, and the sum of ₦192,220.00,” the Army noted.
Furthermore, additional items, including 5 solar panels, 5 mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing, were also confiscated.
The rescued students were promptly evacuated and transported to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital, where they are receiving medical attention.
In a separate, but equally significant operation, troops arrested two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers in another part of Kachia Local Government Area. The suspects, identified as Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, were intercepted at Kagarko village.
The Army disclosed that the sum of ₦1.3 million was recovered from the pair, along with several other incriminating items.
“In another decisive operation, troops in Kachia Local Government have intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village. The troops confiscated the sum of ₦1,306,700.00, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, 8 ATM cards, two Moniepoint POS machines, an MTN MiFi, and other items from the suspects,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, in another operation conducted in Suleja, Niger State, Nigerian troops stormed a terrorist hideout, leading to the elimination of three terrorists during an intense gun battle. Three other suspects were captured alive, and the troops recovered a significant amount of cash and weapons.
“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 neutralization of three terrorists, while three others, identified as Mallam Halalu, Mallam Suleiman, and Mr. Musa, were captured alive.'”
The Army further revealed that the captured suspects provided information leading to the discovery of a hidden armory. “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 ₦4,079,000.00 were recovered,” the statement concluded.
