Soldiers have gunned down suspected bandits while they were attempting to kidnap a pregnant woman in Eldabala village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja disclosed this.

According to the spokesman, the troops of the Nigerian Army attached to Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 14 bandits terrorising the area, Daily Post reports.

Onyueko added that 35 other victims were rescued while 7 AK-47 rifles 6 vehicles and other items were recovered from the criminal elements.

He said, “Consequently, no fewer than 14 bandits were neutralized. Also, a total of 36 kidnapped victims were rescued within the period and troops assisted one of the victims to safe delivery of a baby during one of the encounters.

“The soldiers also intercepted a total number of 7 AK-47 rifles, 6 motorcycles, assorted military and police uniforms, 6 vehicles, 4 machetes among other items from the criminals, while they also assisted one of the victims to safe delivery of a baby during one of the encounters.”