Troops from Sector 4 of Operation Whirl Punch have successfully rescued 13 hostages from a kidnappers’ den in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The operation was launched following credible intelligence reports that bandits were moving kidnapped victims in the Chigulu village area.
Samuel Aruwan, the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, confirmed that the troops engaged the bandits in an intense gunfight. Overpowered, the bandits fled into the forest, abandoning their captives.
The rescue mission freed 13 hostages—six men and seven women—and led to the destruction of the bandits’ camp. In addition to freeing the victims, the troops recovered an assortment of items, including:
– One AK-47 rifle
– One locally made rifle
– Four AK-47 magazines
– 87 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
– Five mini solar panels
– Five mobile phones
– ₦192,220 in cash
The rescued individuals were taken to a military facility for medical examination and debriefing before being reunited with their families.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State commended the troops’ swift response and successful operation, which was led by Major General Mayirenso Saraso. The governor expressed gratitude for the professionalism and bravery displayed by the troops during the rescue mission.