Bandits kill soldier, injure four in Zamfara ambush

The students of Federal University Gusau (FUG) and some staff members, who were abducted seven months ago, have regained freedom from their captors.

They were kidnapped during an attack by bandits in the Gusau area in February.

After spending an extended period in captivity, it has been confirmed that all the abducted persons have returned in good health.

Details of how their release was secured remain unclear, security forces were said to have played a crucial role in their rescue.

Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters has revealed that in a sweeping move to crush the remaining terrorists and insurgents in the North East, the military has succeeded in eliminating eight notorious terrorists and recovering a haul of firearms.

According to army spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu, in the recent round of operations, a network, involved in kidnapping for ransom, was smashed, with victims freed and an arms supplier captured.

He said: “On September 22, 2024, troops stationed in Borno State thwarted an attempt by terrorists to raid villages for supplies and logistics. After an intense firefight, three of the assailants were taken out.

“The troops recovered one light machine gun, one AK-47 rifle, two hand grenades, five AK-47 rifle magazines, 200 linked rounds of light machine gun and other materials, including ₦15,000 and a Techno phone seized at the scene.

“In another clash, while acting on credible information, troops cornered terrorists escorting abducted victims through Uvaha village in Gwoza Local Government Area. Despite heavy rainfall, the troops went after the terrorists and eliminated one of them, forcing the others to flee, and leaving behind 16 hostages.

“Among the freed victims were 10 men and six women. A follow-up search of the area uncovered two grenades, a bag of fish and sundry items.”

AT least one soldier lost his life while four others survived an ambush by terrorists in the North West of Maru Local Council of Zamfara State.

A security source, Zagazola Makama, explained that the troops from the Sector were ambushed while on patrol and escort duty along the Dansadau-Yar Galadima road.

The incident took place around midnight of September 21 near the Mashayar Zaki area, as the troops were escorting vacationing soldiers and civilian vehicles heading for a local market.

Reports indicate that one soldier paid the supreme price during the attack, while four others sustained injuries.

The wounded personnel have been evacuated to the 1 Brigade Medical Centre (BMC) for treatment. In addition, one of the patrol vehicles was damaged during the attack.