Nigerian Army Rescues 13 Abducted Students in Kaduna State, Seizes Arms and Ammunition

Thirteen abducted students have been freed by Nigerian Army troops during an operation in Kaduna State. The rescued group includes six males and seven females.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Nigerian Army confirmed that dangerous weapons were also recovered from the terrorists during the operation in Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area. The statement highlighted that the students were rescued following a fierce gunfight with the terrorists.

“In aggressive offensive operations against terrorism and insurgency, Nigerian Army troops have dismantled another terrorist stronghold, successfully rescuing kidnapped students, and seizing a significant cache of arms and ammunition,” the statement read.

The Nigerian Army added that several insurgents were neutralized, while others were captured alive.

On September 12, 2024, acting on reliable intelligence, troops stationed in Kaduna State launched a highly coordinated operation aimed at rescuing abducted individuals from terrorist camps. Engaging in an intense firefight at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area, the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.

After a thorough search of the area, the troops rescued 13 victims—six males and seven females. In addition to the successful rescue, the soldiers recovered one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, four magazines, a locally made rifle, and N192,220 in cash.

Also found during the search were five solar panels, five mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing items. The rescued victims have been promptly evacuated to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital for medical attention.

In a separate operation in the same local government area, troops arrested two individuals suspected of being terrorist logistical providers and recovered N1.3 million from the suspects.

“In another decisive operation, troops in Kachia Local Government Area intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village. The troops confiscated the sum of N1,306,700, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, eight ATM cards, two Moniepoint PoS machines, an MTN MiFi, and other items from the suspects,” the statement continued.

Additionally, the Nigerian Army reported that it had raided a terrorist hideout, recovering N4 million and other hazardous weapons, killing three terrorists, and arresting three more.