TheCable

The Nigerian Army says its troops in Katsina have rescued 35 persons abducted by bandits in Tashar Nagulle and Nahuta in Batsari LGA of the state.

NAN reports that O.A. Fadairo, commanding officer of the 17 brigade of the Nigerian Army, Katsina, spoke on Monday while handing over the rescued persons to Dikko Radda, governor of the state.

Fadairo said the hostages were rescued at Dumburum forest after a severe gun duel between soldiers and the bandits.

Receiving the victims, Radda thanked God for the success of the rescue operation without a casualty either on the part of the victims or the security operatives.

He added that his administration has recorded tremendous success in the fight against banditry and applauded the efforts of the army and other security operatives in their relentless fight against criminality in Katsina.

“Many terrorists in Katsina state have been killed and their camps dislodged, and a lot of weapons recovered through the joint efforts of security operatives,’’ NAN quoted Radda as saying.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to “dealing decisively” with terrorists.

He said his administration had introduced a free medical programme for victims of banditry and educational support for those who lost their parents to attacks by terrorists.

Radda supported each of the victims with N100,000 to enable them to revive their businesses when they returned home.