ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian troops have rescued 13 hostages who were kidnapped by an extremist group in the northwestern state of Kaduna, the country’s army said on Saturday.
The army said in a statement that “the troops successfully overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives.”
Several kidnappers were killed and others captured, the military added. It didn’t specify what armed group the kidnappers belonged to.
The rescued hostages were taken to a military facility for a medical assessment before being reunited with their families. Weapons, ammunition, solar panels and cash were also discovered during the rescue operation.
Kidnappings have become common in parts of northern Nigeria, where dozens of armed groups take advantage of a limited security presence to carry out attacks in villages and along major roads. Most victims are released only after the payment of ransoms that sometimes run into the thousands of dollars.
At least 1,400 students have been taken from Nigerian schools since the 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants in the village of Chibok in Borno state shocked the world.
Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadi rebels, launched its insurgency in 2009 to establish Islamic Shariah law in the country. At least 35,000 people have been killed and 2.1 million people displaced as a result of the extremist violence, according to U.N. agencies in Nigeria.
In a daring and successful operation, the Nigerian Army has rescued 13 hostages from an extremist group in the country. The hostages, who were being held captive by the group for an undisclosed amount of time, were freed in a swift and well-coordinated rescue mission.
The hostages, who included both Nigerian citizens and foreign nationals, were reportedly in a state of distress and malnutrition when they were rescued. They were immediately provided with medical attention and are now receiving care and support to help them recover from their traumatic ordeal.
The extremist group responsible for the kidnapping has not been named, but it is believed to be one of the many militant groups operating in Nigeria. These groups often target civilians, aid workers, and foreign nationals in an attempt to spread fear and instability in the region.
The Nigerian Army has been praised for their quick and decisive action in rescuing the hostages. The operation was carried out with precision and professionalism, demonstrating the army’s commitment to protecting the lives and safety of its citizens.
This successful rescue mission serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in Nigeria and the importance of continued efforts to combat terrorism and violence in the region. The Nigerian government has vowed to continue its fight against extremism and to work towards ensuring the safety and security of all its citizens.
The rescued hostages have expressed their gratitude to the Nigerian Army for their bravery and dedication in rescuing them from captivity. They are now looking forward to being reunited with their families and loved ones and starting the process of healing and recovery from their traumatic experience.
Overall, this rescue operation is a testament to the courage and determination of the Nigerian Army in the face of adversity. It serves as a beacon of hope for those who have fallen victim to extremist violence and a reminder that with perseverance and unity, we can overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.
