The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued six kidnapped victims and neutralised one bandit in Kaduna State.

Its spokesperson, Musa Yahaya, who confirmed the development in a statement in Kaduna, said the victims were rescued on Friday.

Mr Yahaya said the ongoing clearance operation by the troops of the division had continued to yield positive results.

He said the victims were kidnapped in the Tsando General area of Maraban Jos in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Yahaya said that upon receiving information about the incident, troops were mobilised to the area, where a heavy firefight ensued between the soldiers and bandits.

“During the operation, troops successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, captured two AK-47 rifles and neutralised one bandit while others escaped with several degrees of gunshot wounds,” said Mr Yahaya.

He added, “The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.- Gen. Valentine Okoro, has commended the troops for their resilience.”

Mr Yahaya also charged the troops to continue the aggressive tempo until all criminal elements in the division’s ‘area of responsibility’ are entirely eradicated.

He also appealed to all paramedics to be on the lookout for persons with gunshot wounds and report them to the Nigerian Army and other sister security services for prompt action.

(NAN)