Photo: The rescued kidnapped victims.
Troops of 177 Guards Battalion, Keffi, Nasarawa State in collaboration with troops of Operation Wild Stroke and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have rescued no fewer than 30 civilians who had been held captive by kidnappers in the state.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Godfreyi Abakpa who made this known in a statement on Friday said the troops also killed 2 of the kidnappers while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
According to him, the offensive was conducted based on credible actionable intelligence on the enclaves of bandits and kidnappers in the general area of Idu and Chikara, on the boundaries of Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Abaji Area Council of the FCT and Koton Karde, Kogi State.
Abakpa further said that during the Joint Operations, the gallant troops with superior fire power subdued the bandits and rescued the victims and recovered several items from them.
He said, “The troops recovered 1x Rapid Propelled Grenade Tube from the Criminals and several military uniforms.
“Unfortunately, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force sustained a minor injury but is currently stable and receiving proper medical care at the hospital.
“The rescued civilians have since been profiled by the Nigeria Police Division in Toto LGA while the Nasarawa State Govt has facilitated their safe reunion with their communities and families respectively.
“As the operations continue, troops of the Brigade under command remain resolute and will continue to synergise with security agencies to rid the FCT and environs of all criminal elements as the Brigade remains alert at all times to keep the Federal Capital and it’s environs safe.”
Abakpa added that the operation was part of the Guards Brigade’s responsibility to ensure adequate security within its area of responsibility aimed at stamping out incessant kidnapping to protect lives and properties of law abiding citizens within the FCT and the neighboring states.
