Troops of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday defended Damba Dikko village in the Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State from a terrorist attack.

The Director Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Nwachukwu said the community was attacked by the insurgents seeking to extort levies from villagers.

He added that the troops responded to a distress call and swiftly stormed the village and engaged the insurgents in a gun duel.

He said the troops neutralised two of the insurgents and also rescued two villagers held hostage by the attackers.

Mr Nwachukwubl said the rescued villagers who suffered minor injuries had been treated by the Nigerian army paramedics.

He said the troops, same day, rescued four kidnap victims abducted by a notorious gang of kidnappers in Edo State,

According to him, the kidnappers forcefully took their captives, including a lady and three men, into Ososo forest in the Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state.

“They were tracked and intercepted by the gallant troops, who engaged the criminals in fire and rescued the abductees.

“The troops apprehended one of the kidnappers, who is currently undergoing preliminary investigation and will be subsequently handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency.

“One of the rescued victims who suffered from shock and fatigue has been evacuated to a medical facility, where he is receiving treatment, while others have been reunited with their families,” he said.

Mr Nwachukwu appreciated members of the public for their cooperation with troops and other security agencies in the fight against security challenges in the country.

He encouraged them to continue to be vigilant and promptly report any suspected attempting to breach the security to relevant agencies.

“Together, we can restore peace and stability in our various communities, states and the nation,” he said.

(NAN)