Nigerian military officers have staged a neat operation and freed a retired police officers and three women in Niger State.
File photos: Nigerian soldiers
A retired Police officer and three women have been rescued by military personnel under the 707 Special Forces Brigade of Nigerian Army, in what it terms ‘clearance operation’ at Mangodo village in Niger State.
According to the statement issued and signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 707 Special Forces Brigade, Major Olabisi Ayeni in Makurdi on Friday, a copy made available to our correspondent explained that the rescued persons include a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Bahago Ibrahim.
Others, according to the military spokesman are: Mrs. Louisana Aliyu from Zazga, Mrs. Hadiza Auta from Gwanda and Mrs. Jamila Idris from Sarkin Pawa town, all in Niger State.
Punch Metro reports that the statement added that the people had been reunited with their family.
The 707 Special Forces Brigade of Nigerian Army which operates across the country has its head office in Makurdi, Benue State capital.
The statement added that the troops which carried out the operation were drawn from 133 Special Forces Battalion under 707 Special Forces Brigade, adding that three soldiers died in the operation and another three wounded.
The statement added, “It will be recalled that the Police officer, ASP Bahago Ibrahim, was shot and whisked away by unknown heavily armed bandits at Mangodo village, Niger State, while the women were abducted from different locations.
“The troops, which acted on a tip off, responded swiftly to rescue the victims from the armed bandits who were also alleged to have stolen over 100 cows from the village.
“During the pursuit, the troops entered into an ambush laid by the armed bandits.
“The troops fought their way out of the ambush by exchanging fire, killing many of the bandits, while a few of them withdrew in disarray. Unfortunately, three soldiers lost their lives and three others were wounded during the encounter.”
The statement reiterated the mission of Nigerian Army and its commitment to protecting the law-abiding citizens against all forms of internal and external aggression anywhere in the country.
The statement further encouraged citizens to report any form of irregularity and illegality around them to security agencies.