Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims, Recover Motorcycles, Others

Troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest, known as Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD), have continued their resolute effort to combat banditry in the Northwest region, encompassing Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto states. Recent operations have resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped victims and the capture of essential equipment from marauding bandits. Acting on actionable intelligence received on August 5, 2023, regarding the assembly of armed bandits at Gidan Jaja in Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara state, OPHD troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Zurmi promptly initiated a combat patrol to the area. The objective was to dislodge the bandits, resulting in a direct confrontation with the criminals. The superior firepower of the troops compelled the bandits to scatter in disarray, possibly with gunshot wounds. In the aftermath, 11 operational motorcycles were seized from the fleeing bandits. Additionally, the troops deployed at FOB Anka in Zamfara state achieved a significant rescue operation on the early morning of August 5, 2023. Acting on credible intelligence provided by local residents, the troops were alerted to a kidnapping incident in Gangamai village within the Gwashi District of Bukkuyum LGA, Zamfara state. Swiftly mobilizing for a rescue mission, the troops engaged the bandits and forced them to abandon their captives due to the troops' tactical skills and firepower. Furthermore, troops from FOB Bini, while conducting a patrol, encountered and rescued two kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by marauding bandits. The successful operations resulted in the safe return of all the rescued victims to their families. Major General Godwin Mutkut, the Commander of Operation HADARIN DAJI, expressed his commendation for the resilience and dedication of the troops. He urged them to maintain their proactive stance and to remain on the offensive to deny the bandits freedom of action in the region. Gen. Mutkut also called upon the local populace to exercise vigilance and promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearby security agencies, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in enhancing security efforts.