Four kidnap victims have been rescued as the Nigerian soldiers killed several terrorists and destroyed bandits’ hideouts in two states.
The troops of 114 Battalion (Rear) of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security forces, on Saturday destroyed multiple bandits’ hideouts and rescued four kidnap victims in Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Olabodunde Oni, and made available to journalists in Jalingo on Sunday.
It stated that the swift and decisive operation to flush out bandits and kidnappers disturbing the peace in Yorro and its environs commenced on 2 February.
It said that troops came in contact with bandits at Gampu Hills and Ban Yorro area and exerted superior firepower which made the bandits flee the location, leaving behind their four abducted victims.
“The operation is still ongoing to ensure that other kidnapped victims who fled the area during the exchange of fire are found and reunited with their loved ones.
“The rescued victims are Genesis Samuel, 24, from Ganku village; Benard Denis, 28, from Fulfualgon village; Esther Titus, 35, from Kosanai village and the Emir of Pupulle’s son, Isma’il Umar, 25, who was abducted at his residence on Jan. 18.
“The Brigade is committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and dismantling all criminal infrastructure in the state.
“Members of the public are urged to continue to support the military by giving credible and timely information on suspicious movements, to aid in improving security within the state.”
Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force on Sunday said several terrorists were killed during a joint operation by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji and troops of the Nigerian Army.
The service also said their hideouts on Tora Hills in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State were equally destroyed.
A statement on Sunday by its Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, noted that the airstrikes by the NAF jet enabled the ground troops to carry out successful clearance operations.
It read, “A well-planned and coordinated joint operation between the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji and the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army on 30 January 2024, has led to the elimination of several terrorists and destruction of their enclave located on Tora Hills in Safana LGA of Katsina State.
“The location was first struck by NAF aircraft, after which the ground troops successfully mopped up fleeing terrorists. Footages from the Battle Damage Assessment as well as feedback received from other sources revealed that the air strikes significantly degraded the capabilities of the terrorists which then facilitated a hitch-free clearance operation by troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
“The joint operation did not only result in the neutralisation of several terrorists and destruction of their hideouts on the hill but also offered the ground troops the opportunity to ascend and clear Tsora Hill, which had hitherto served as a hiding place for terrorists in Safana LGA.”
This is not the first time the Nigerian Air Force will embark on such successful operations.
NAF jet has previously conducted airstrikes which has resulted in the deaths of several terrorists.
One such example was when the airstrikes by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch in Niger State killed a terrorist kingpin identified as Yellow Janbros and other terrorists on December 11, 2023.
Also, on January 7, 2024, the service said airstrikes from its jet killed several terrorists and destroyed their armories in Borno.
