15th September, 2023
By Nimot Sulaimon
Troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest ‘Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD)’ have had notable accomplishments, including the blocking of abduction attempts, the rescue of 17 abducted victims, and the recovery of a huge quantity of rustled cattle in Zamfara State.
This is contained in a statement issued on Friday by Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, Force Information Officer, Operation HADARIN DAJI.
On September 11, 2023, the military responded quickly to a distress call about the kidnapping of individuals by armed bandits in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, causing the bandits to abandon the captives and flee. Four male victims were successfully retrieved unharmed.
Furthermore, on September 12, 2023, in response to intelligence information of a significant quantity of rustled livestock being moved by bandits in Anka Local Government Area, troops posted at Anka attacked the bandits, forcing them to flee.
About 130 rustled animals were recovered, which were then turned over to the relevant authorities for repatriation to their original owners.
On September 14, 2023, OPHD combined forces in Zamfara foiled an abduction attempt, freeing two victims and a commercial vehicle with food supplies in the Shinkafi Local Government Area.
Similarly, ground troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Danjigba stopped and freed three kidnapped victims during a routine patrol. These victims were stolen from their farms and held captive in Dangajeru Forest, it was discovered. Their escape was made easier by the military’s increased clearance efforts in the region.
Earlier, on September 13, 2023, Operation HADARIN DAJI forces intercepted and freed eight kidnapped victims in Baggega. These victims had been held captive for eight weeks before escaping from the Gando forest as a result of the recent offensive operation and regular fighting patrols along the forest’s edges.
All kidnapped victims have been reunited with their families, and the recovered animals have been handed over to the Zamfara state committee on recovered cattle for the purpose of returning them to their rightful owners.
Between September 11 and September 15, 2023, OPHD troops in Zamfara prevented two kidnapping attempts, rescued 17 victims, and recovered 130 animals.
Major General Godwin Mutkut, Commander of Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their unwavering efforts and dedication to rescuing victims.
He urged troops to be on the offensive in order to deny criminals freedom of action and guaranteed the public sustained, extensive patrols in the region. General Mutkut also urged the public to supply timely information to the army.