• NAF air strikes hit terrorists’ logistics storage in Niger
• Over 4,000 victims get N470 million support in Katsina
Sixteen victims of kidnapping, including 10 women and six minors, have been rescued by troops in Katsina State after 46 days in captivity.
The victims, who were held by terrorists since February 3, 2024, were rescued Monday by troops from Combat Team 3 station, Maraban Maigora, in Sabuwa Local Council.
Spokesperson to the State Governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, said a credible source from the military disclosed this, and that the rescue operation was carried out during a routine patrol.
The statement quoted the military officer as saying that the rescued victims were among the 54 women abducted along Gamji/Dandume road early last month.
It added: “The rescued women and children were promptly handed over to the Chairman of Sabuwa Local Council, who reunited them with their relatives.
“Governor Dikko Radda commended the troops for their bravery and decisive action. While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, he reassured the public of his administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating banditry in the state.”
MEANWHILE, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) has destroyed terrorists’ logistics storage in Palele near Shiroro, Niger State.
Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVM Edward Gabkwet, stated, yesterday, in Abuja, that the air strike east of Palele in Niger followed confirmation of a cache of arms at the location.
He said the operation was executed with speed and precision, resulting in significant damage to the target area, including a secondary explosion confirming the destruction of arms and ammunition.
According to him, the weapons are believed to be part of the arsenal of a wanted terrorist.
“These strikes have, no doubt, degraded the capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region to attack innocent civilians, especially in Kaduna and Niger states.
“The NAF, along with other surface forces, will continue to maintain dominance over areas of concern through enhanced situational awareness, continuous patrols and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens,” he added.
Gabkwet appealed for support and information from the public on the movement of terrorists and other criminal elements, for prompt action.
IN A RELATED development, more than 4,000 victims of armed banditry and the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Katsina State have received more than N470 million.
The money donated by the state government in collaboration with the international donor agency, R.H. Equipt, is aimed at alleviating the economic hardship caused by these crises.
Launching the donation on Monday evening, Governor Radda said it was in fulfilment of his campaign promise last year.
He said that during the campaign, he had expressed commitment to empowering those affected by banditry and COVID-19, particularly women hit by the scourge.
A breakdown showed that 550 victims of armed banditry received N150,000 each, totalling N82.5 million, while 3,876 COVID-19 victims received N100,000 each, amounting to N387.6 million.
The beneficiaries had earlier been trained on various skills, and they will use the money to start small-scale businesses.
