Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims in Kebbi.

The troops also recovered livestock during sustained operations conducted in Danko general area and Sabon Tunga village, Danko-Wasagu council area.

The army’s spokesman for 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Osoba Olaniyi, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday.

He said, “The troops of Sector 2 received a distress call about suspected bandits who had invaded the Danko general area, kidnapped residents and rustled cattle. The troops immediately mobilised to the area and engaged the bandits, compelling them to flee and abandon their captives.

“Following the encounter, the troops rescued two kidnapped victims identified as Barbuga Bawashe, 26, and Barka Dakaji, 61. The troops also recovered 34 cows and 74 rams.”

Mr Olaniyi also disclosed that on the same day, troops of Sector 2, during a follow-up operation, rescued seven kidnapped victims at Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages.

He explained that the victims, who had reportedly been in captivity for several months, escaped from their captors amid sustained military operations in the general area.

The acting deputy director said that the rescued victims were identified as Muhammad Dogonta, 60; Zakari Yahu, 32; Basara Sheu, 10; Adam Shehu, 12; Hatsat Umar, 14; Albaria Hamsu, 12; and Yehusa Lawali, 35.

He added that the rescued victims had since been handed over to the District Head of Unashi for onward reunion with their families.

(NAN)