In sustained operations to clear the North West of terrorists and other forms of criminality, troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), on Wednesday, 19th October, 2022 neutralized two terrorists on Abasia-Amale village road at the eastern part of Polewire in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Confirming the report, Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the troops also rescued commuters who were kidnapped on Kaduna-Zaria Road on 20 October, 2022.
He said the highly-motivated troops, acting on credible intelligence, stormed Abasia-Amale village and engaged the terrorists with superior fire power overwhelming and neutralizing two terrorists in the encounter.
Nwachukwu said added that the troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, two magazines, 38 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a mobile handset from the terrorists.
In another development in the early hours of 20 October, 2022 bandits blocked the Kaduna-Zaria Road, around Foundation general area within Birnin Yero Ward.
Nwachukwu said the criminals opened fire on commuters during which they abducted and fled with unconfirmed number of commuters.
He said the troops, however, responded expeditiously and pursued the criminals compelling them to abandon five commuters who were earlier abducted.
The Army spokesperson said the commuters were subsequently rescued by troops, while the highway was immediately cleared for free flow of vehicular traffic.
“Sadly, one of the commuters sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately evacuated for medical attention,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them not to relent until terrorism and other criminalities are brought to an end in the region.
The General Officer Commanding 1 Division, NA, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has also urged all law-abiding citizens to continue to support the troops and other security agencies with credible and actionable information that will assist in the fight against the criminal elements.
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