The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, said its troops deployed to counter insurgency in the North West successfully defended Damba Dikko village, a community in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State, from an attack by insurgents seeking to forcefully extort levies from the villagers.
This was made known in a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations.
Onyema said the vigilant troops swiftly stormed the village and engaged the insurgents in a gun duel, neutralizing two of them and rescuing two villagers held hostage.
He disclosed that the rescued villagers who suffered minor injuries have been given medical attention by NA paramedics.
“On the same day, troops of the Nigerian Army in an audacious rescue operation, extricated four kidnap victims abducted by a notorious gang of kidnappers in Edo State.
“The kidnappers had forcefully taken their captives, including a lady and three men into Ososo forest in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state, but were tracked and intercepted by the gallant troops, who engaged the criminals in firefight and extricated 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 handed over to their families,” Onyema added.
The army spokesman said the Army 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 attempt to breach security to relevant agencies.
