Askume LAGOS, Sept 14 – The Nigerian army acted on reports and rescued 13 hostages in the northwestern state of Kaduna, a government official said on Saturday.
The army launched the operation at a camp near Chigulu village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State after receiving information that the kidnappers were preparing to take the six men and seven women elsewhere.
Kaduna Security Commissioner Samuel Aruwan said in a statement that after the shootout, the bandits fled into the surrounding forest and released their captives.
Kidnappings have become common in northern Nigeria , especially in schools and on highways, as criminal gangs demand ransom. Kidnapping incidents often force families to sell land, livestock and grain to secure the release of loved ones.
The released hostages were taken to military facilities for medical evaluation and questioning before being reunited with their families.
Weapons, ammunition, solar panels and cash were also seized during the camp operation.
