Troops rescue nine kidnapped passengers on Kaduna-Abuja road

Nine persons kidnapped along the Kaduna-Abuja road were rescued Sunday afternoon by troops carrying out internal security operations along the axiz.

The Kaduna State Government made known in a statement, adding that this was from the operational feedback from the Defence Headquarters.

According to the statement, it was the Operation Thunder Strike (OPTS) that rescued the kidnapped victims.

It said troops of the Operation Thunder Strike on a routine patrol along Akilubu-Gidan Busa axis on the Kaduna-Abuja road received a distress call around 4pm of bandits blocking the main highway.

The statement read in part, “The armed bandits reportedly opened fire on a bus, forcing the driver to halt.

“On getting to the location, the armed bandits had kidnapped nine persons from an 18-seater bus with registration No. Kaduna: MKA-151.

“The troops immediately mobilised and engaged the bandits in a firefight and in the process rescued nine persons kidnapped who later rejoined their colleagues after their rescue and a head count. (Pictures attached).

“Regrettably, the driver and a passenger seated close to him lost their lives.

“The Kaduna State Government sends its condolences to their families and prays for God to grant them eternal rest.

“Following this summary from the military, the government assures citizens and commuters plying the route that any emerging developments regarding the unfortunate incident will be communicated.

“The government also assures citizens of Kaduna State that it will continue to work hard, in collaboration with the Federal Government to improve the security of the highway. It is also working with the Governments of Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto and Kano States, as well as the Military, Police, DSS and relevant stakeholders on enhancing the security situation in the region.”