Troops rescue kidnap victims after gun battle with bandits near Zuma barracks

Troops rescue kidnap victims after gun battle with bandits near Zuma barracks

In a daring pre-dawn operation on Wednesday, Nigerian troops stationed near Zuma Barracks in Niger State successfully foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims during a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits.

The operation, which took place around 5:30 a.m., occurred behind Zuma Rock, close to Chachi village in Tafa Local Government Area, and showcased the swift response of the security forces in a region known for rising threats of banditry.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, the soldiers engaged the armed assailants in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.

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According to the security expert, following reports of sporadic gunfire, troops arrived the location and found a black 2008 Honda Accord with registration number KUR 395 AA abandoned in a pit, bearing gunshot holes on its front doors.

It was gathered the troops engaged the attackers in a shootout, thwarting the kidnap attempt and rescuing the occupants of the vehicle.

The victims, identified as Samson Audu of Bakusa, Dei-Dei, and his girlfriend, Joy Bassey, sustained injuries during the attack.

Audu was shot in the right hand, while Bassy suffered a head injury.

They were rushed to Right Care Hospital in Dakwa, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding well.

Troops rescue kidnap victims after gun battle with bandits near Zuma barracks