Nigerian Army
Troops carrying out internal security operations rescued 9 persons kidnapped along the Kaduna-Abuja Road on Sunday afternoon. This was disclosed by the Kaduna State Government.
The Kaduna State Government made this known in a statement, that it received operational feedback from the Defence Headquarters’s Operation Thunder Strike (OPTS) following Sunday’s incident and inquiries from citizens on the development.
Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, explained the incident and the happenings in a statement.
According to the statement, the troops received a distress call that bandits who blocked the highway and opened fire on a passenger bus, forcing it to stop.
By the time the troops arrived, the bandits had already abducted nine people. The troops immediately mobilized and engaged the bandits in a firefight and in the process rescued the nine persons who later rejoined their colleagues after their rescue and a headcount.
Unfortunately, the driver and a passenger seated in front both lost their lives.
The government of the state assured citizens and commuters plying the route that any emerging developments regarding the unfortunate incident will be communicated.
The government also promised a commitment to improving the security of the highways, as well as collaboration with neighbouring states to improve security in the region.