In a daring operation, troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army displayed their valour by neutralizing four insurgents, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims, and capturing weapons in a fierce encounter in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
On February 6, 2024, during a fighting patrol, troops engaged insurgents in a firefight, resulting in the neutralization of four insurgents, while others managed to escape with gunshot wounds. The recovered spoils of the encounter included 3 AK-47 rifles, 7 AK-47 rifle magazines, and 2 motorcycles.
Subsequently, on February 7, troops acting on a tip-off intercepted insurgents at Kwaga village. Overwhelmed by the troops’ firepower, the insurgents fled into the forest, leaving their victims behind.
The 1 Division troops successfully rescued all 11 victims, including men and women, from various age groups. Among them were Zakari Galadima, Ishaku Galadima, Habibu Illaysu, Nuzuli Ibrahim, Ramatu Aliyu, Ubaida Mubarak, Zaliha Mubarak, Umma Haruna, Khairatu Salisu, Rahamatu Usman, and Rakiyia Yahaya. The victims, kidnapped on February 6, 2024, from Masuku village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, received immediate medical attention from the Division’s medical team and were joyously reunited with their families.
Major General Valentine Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA and Force Commander Operation WHIRL PUNCH, commended the troops for their remarkable success. He urged the public to continue providing real-time intelligence to the troops and other security agencies. Additionally, he appealed to locals to report individuals with gunshot wounds seeking medical attention, ensuring prompt action by the troops or other security agencies.
This operation underscores the military’s unwavering commitment to securing the lives and properties of citizens, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and collaborative in the fight against insurgency.
