“While culpability has not been conclusively established against the traditional ruler, there is insufficient evidence to exonerate anyone at this stage,” said the army.
The army spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a press release issued on Monday.
The army said the operation in Rafin Sariki Village of Giwa Local Government Area was a prompt response to actionable intelligence.
The army spokesperson assured the public that the situation was under control.
The army spokesman said the troops in another operation in Zamfara foiled the abduction of three persons by violent extremists.
The army spokesperson revealed that the four were killed after terrorists engaged the troops in a gun duel in Kurfi and Safana local government areas.
“Other items recovered from the terrorists’ hideout include a pair of proscribed Biafran uniforms, one solar panel and one CCTV camera,” said the army.
The army spokesperson said the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene of the kidnap incident after a distress call.
“We are going to fight. We are not going to stop, and that is what I said,” he said.
The Army Council has approved the promotion of 122 senior officers to major general and brigadier general.
