Troops from the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully eliminated 14 terrorists and rescued 13 kidnapped individuals in operations spanning Niger and Kaduna States.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday, December 24, 2023.
The statement revealed that in Niger State, on December 23, 2023, troops engaged insurgent elements in Madawaki, Shiroro Local Government Area, neutralizing two insurgents and causing others to flee with gunshot wounds. The encounter resulted in the recovery of 2 AK rifles, 2 AK rifle magazines, and 1 motorcycle.
The troops proceeded to the camp of the eliminated insurgent leader, Ali Kachalla, where 13 kidnapped victims were rescued. These individuals, all males, had been abducted in Niger State on October 13, 2023. Items recovered from the camp included an international passport suspected to belong to a high-profile affiliate of the insurgents, along with military accessories. The rescued individuals received medical attention at a military facility and were subsequently reunited with their families.
In a subsequent operation in Kaduna State, the troops neutralized three insurgents in Maidaro, Birnin Gwari LGA, recovering weapons and motorcycles. Another insurgent camp in Kidandan-Yadi of the same LGA was destroyed, with five insurgents neutralized and 12 motorcycles recovered.
Additional operations included an ambush along the Maro junction at the Kachia axis, resulting in the neutralization of three kidnappers, the recovery of cash, mobile phones, a motorcycle, and the rescue of a 25-year-old abducted man named Rabiu Ahmed. Furthermore, an ambush in Kwanar Batero on Sunday led to the neutralization of one insurgent and the recovery of weapons and motorcycles.
The troops’ relentless efforts underscore their commitment to eradicating insurgency and securing the affected regions.
