TheCable

The Kaduna government says troops have killed 10 bandits and rescued one hostage in Giwa LGA of the state.

Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

Aruwan said the “heavily armed” bandits were killed by security forces “in the course of the gun duel” in Kwanan Bataru.

He added that several bandits suffered gunshot wounds while some managed to escape, leaving several belongings behind.

“The joint security forces came in contact with the heavily armed bandits in Kwanan Bataru on the outskirts of Fatika in Giwa LGA and subsequently engaged them,” Aruwan said.

“In the course of the gun duel, 10 of the bandits were eliminated while several others escaped with gunshot injuries.

“One Alhaji Abubakar Usman, who likely to have been kidnapped in a neighbouring state and was being held by bandits, was rescued by the troops and is being debriefed at the moment. One of the sheds used by the bandits to hold hostages was burnt.”

Aruwan appealed to the residents of the community to contact security forces if they see anyone “found seeking medical attention for questionable injuries”.

“The government is appealing to residents of Fatika to report to security agencies anyone found seeking medical attention for questionable injuries on these numbers: 09034000060 and 08170189999. All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”