In a daring operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s I Division have executed a successful rescue mission, rescues 16 abducted victims and thwarting a kidnap attempt by an extremist group in Kajuru, Kaduna State.

According to a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the operation unfolded late on Sunday night in Tantatu Community of Kajuru Local Government Area.

“The Nigerian Army troops deployed in 1 Division area of responsibility in Kaduna State have successfully averted a kidnap attempt by a violent extremist and insurgent group and rescued the abductees in Tantatu Community of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the Director of Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said in a late Monday statement.

Acting on timely intelligence, the troops swiftly mobilized to confront the insurgents who had seized individuals in the village.

“On arriving at the scene of the incident, the troops tenaciously pursued the insurgents, engaging them in a ferocious exchange of fire and consequently rescuing 16 kidnapped victims,” the statement read.

“The troops are still exploiting the bushes in continuation of the search and rescue operations to extricate other victims and balk the nefarious activities of the insurgents.”

In commendation of their gallantry, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja hailed the troops for their exemplary performance. He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations aimed at restoring peace and security across the nation.