Troops Rescue 6 Varsity Female Students, Driver From Kidnappers In Katsina

Troops of Sector 2, “Operation Fansan Yamma” have rescued seven persons, including six female students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), from kidnappers in Danmusa local government area of Katsina State.

The acting deputy director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, told newsmen yesterday said that the victims were rescued on Monday evening following a distress call over an attack on a commercial vehicle travelling from Kaduna to Katsina.

Osoba said the troops responded promptly and moved to the Daye-Malumfashi Road where the attackers were operating.

He said the rapid intervention forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee

“The seven victims, comprising six female students and the commercial driver, were rescued unhurt.

“Following preliminary security profiling and necessary medical evaluations, the rescued individuals were safely handed over to designated officials to facilitate their safe reunion with their families and school authorities,” the statement said.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma to secure major routes and disrupt criminal activities across the North-West.

In a related development, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested four suspected Boko Haram terrorists and recorded the surrender of 11 others in Yobe State.

The acting Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the suspects were arrested after troops foiled a night ambush by suspected terrorists in Azare village, Gujba LGA, at about 11pm on September 21.

Goni said contact with the terrorists resulted in a gun duel, adding that troops deployed superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee.

“Blood traces observed in the general area indicate possible casualties among the fleeing terrorists,” he said.

He said troops recovered four bicycles, a large quantity of groceries, one sheep and expended 7.62mm special ammunition cases during exploitation of the area.

According to him, the suspects and recovered items are in military custody for further investigation.

He also disclosed that 11 terrorists surrendered to troops during the period under review.

In another operation, Goni said troops on routine patrol in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA, on September 19, arrested nine suspected drug dealers.

He said the suspects were found with large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and cannabis, two mobile phones and N85,900 cash.

“The arrest forms part of efforts to disrupt criminal activities capable of undermining security and creating enabling conditions for terrorism and other forms of violent crime,” he said.

He said the suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Goni reaffirmed that OPHK remained committed to sustaining operational momentum, disrupting terrorist and criminal networks and denying them freedom of action across the North-East.