Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Enduring Peace have stormed a criminal hideout in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing several criminals.
During the operation, the troops rescued a kidnapped victim, recovered arms, ammunition and motorcycles.
According to intelligence sources quoted by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on Wednesday, the operation was carried out on Tuesday following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements operating within the area.
It was gathered that the troops reportedly engaged the criminals in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of four suspects, while others fled the scene with possible injuries.
Items recovered from the hideout included one fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles.
Preliminary findings indicated that the neutralised suspects were members of a criminal syndicate responsible for attacks along the Ganawuri–Manchok corridor.
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In a related development, the troops were said to have responded swiftly to information on the abduction of a young woman, Miss Immaculate Samuel, who was kidnapped on the night of Jan. 13 at Kajim Village, also in Kaura LGA.
The troops mobilised and pursued the kidnappers, leading to another exchange of gunfire during which three of the suspects were neutralised, while the victim was rescued unharmed.
The rescued victim was subsequently debriefed and reunited with her family.
Security forces said troops had continued to dominate the general area in order to track down and apprehend other members of the criminal group and restore normalcy to affected communities.
