The Nigerian Army has rescued 18 female victims from their abductors and handed them over to the Katsina State Government, News About Nigeria reports.
This comes in the wake of the recent abduction of 55 wedding guests who were accompanying a bride home in Damari town, Sabuwa Local Government Area of the state.
Brigadier-General Oluremi Fadairo, the Brigade Commander of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Katsina, said that the rescue operation took place in the Yan-Tumaki and Dan-Ali forests, known hideouts of suspected bandits.
He said that troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.
Fadairo emphasised the commitment of the Nigerian Army to work towards the restoration of permanent peace in the state.
He encouraged the troops to maintain the momentum in subsequent rescue operations to free all kidnapped victims.
The rescued victims, all female, had been kidnapped at different times from communities in Matazu, Musawa, and Kankara Local Government Areas.
Among them was 13-year-old Firdausi Bishir, a JSS 2 student, who expressed gratitude to the soldiers and Governor Dikko Radda.
She thanked Allah for their rescue and appreciated the governor for providing financial support to help them establish businesses upon their return home.
Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, received the rescued victims on behalf of the state government.
He commended the military and other security agencies for their courageous efforts in restoring peace, urging them to sustain the momentum.
Mu’azu reassured the public of the government’s commitment to rescuing the women abducted during the wedding ceremony and advised against night travel for safety reasons.
He encouraged citizens to provide useful information about criminal activities to assist security agents.
The commissioner presented N100,000 to each rescued victim on behalf of Governor Radda.
