Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Department of State Services for foiling a mass kidnapping plot in the state.
He made this statement after troops under Operation Fasan Yamma laid an ambush in Bakori Local Government Area, dismantling a planned abduction, by engaging a criminal gang led by Alhaji Musa Duki, a former headmaster turned bandit kingpin.
The Governor assured residents that covert operations are underway to flush out criminal elements including the remaining members of Duki’s network.
The operation resulted in 18 dead terrorists, alongside the recovery of assault rifles, ammunition, and 96 stolen livestock. The armed forces also rescued dozens of hostages, including a kidnapped Borno cleric, and neutralized multiple terrorists during a week-long nationwide offensive.
Meanwhile in the North East, troops from Operation Hadin Kai raided a hideout in the Gwoza area of Borno State, rescuing 14 people. Among the freed captives was Malam Sadiq, the Chief Imam of Ngoshe town, who had been held captive since early March. The troops also intercepted several other escaped hostages in the region, including two minors held for six months.
The operation also extended into the North Central and North West zones, rescuing abducted traders, women, and children. In Niger State, troops engaged terrorists at Muchiya Village, forcing them to abandon 22 kidnap victims. According to reports, all 22 individuals were safely rescued and reunited with their families.
The military also arrested several informants, logistics suppliers, and spies working for the criminal gangs. In Benue State, troops arrested the second-in-command of a wanted criminal syndicate, while in Borno, they stopped a suspect planning to plant homemade explosives near a military outpost. Soldiers also safely defused 12 explosives planted along local roads, clearing them for safe travel.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede praised the soldiers for dismantling terrorist networks and protecting citizens. He urged local community leaders to keep providing the military with verified information to sustain these frontline successes.
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