Troops rescue Major Datong abducted during NDA attack

More than three weeks after bandits attack the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, Major CL Datong, who was abducted during the incident, has been rescued.

The bandits killed two officers in the attack which occurred on August 24, 2021.

Datong was rescued by troops, according to Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Ezindu Idimah.

He disclosed this Friday night, adding that several identified bandits’ camps in the Afaka- Birnin Gwari area of the state were destroyed during the operation that led to Datong’s rescue.

He said many bandits were also killed during the operation, particularly, in the late hours of September 17, 2021.

He said the operation was carried out in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies after a directive by the Chief of Army Staff.

Idimah said, “The troops arrived at a camp suspected to be the location where Maj CL Datong was being held. At the camp, the troops exchanged fire with the bandits; overwhelmed them with superior fire.

“In the process, the gallant troops were able to rescue the abducted officer. The officer sustained a minor injury but has been treated in a medical facility and handed over to the NDA for further action.”

He commended the efforts of the security agencies involved in the rescue mission and “patriotic Nigerians” for their invaluable support.