No fewer than five terrorists have been killed by troops of the Nigerian Army during an operation in Sokoto State.
During the operation, troops also rescued two persons held hostage by the terrorists.
The operation which was conducted on Thursday was carried out following distress calls from the Baniguntu and Gohonau forest area in Gudu Local Government Area.
This was contained in a statement the Army posted on X.
It read, “Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Sokoto State in a daring gun battle on Thursday 27 June 2024, successfully foiled a kidnap attempt in Sokoto State, neutralizing 5 terrorists and rescuing 2 hostages held by the terrorists.
“The troops responding to a distress call from the Baniguntu and Gohonau forest area in Gudu Local Government Area, engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralization of the terrorists, while others fled with injuries sustained from the exchange of fire.
“The rescued hostages, identified as Nura Isya and Saluhu Hamza, were freed from captivity and safely handed over to the Chairman of Gudu Local Government Area for medical attention and reunification with their families.”
The Army said weapons were also recovered from the terrorists during the operation.
“The successful operation not only prevented a potential tragedy, but also led to the recovery of 5 AK-47 rifles, 32 rounds of ammunition, and a Tecno phone, further disrupting the activities of the terrorist group.
“This heroic rescue mission highlights the resoluteness of the Nigerian Army to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of citizens in Sokoto State and across the country. The troops’ swift and decisive action serves as a testament to their dedication to protecting the lives and well-being of the people they serve,” the statement added.
In March 2024, the Defence Headquarters said troops of Operation Hadrin Daji rescued 16 Almajiris and a woman abducted in Gada Local Government Aera of Sokoto State.