Troops of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes in a joint operation successfully rescued six hostages who were kidnapped by armed bandits in a forest in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris, confirmed the rescue in a press statement on Saturday. 

He stated that all six abductees, who are all men, were rescued in good condition and have since been reunited with their families.

According to Sarki, the victims were initially reported missing by their families, who were unaware of their abduction. 

However, troops and vigilantes raided the Kogon Damisa Hill area near Saminaka, a border town between Kebbi and Niger, on Friday and were able to dislodge a large number of bandits and rescue the hostages.

“Troops of 1 Battalion, Dukku Barracks, Birinin Kebbi in conjunction with vigilantes raided Kogon Damisa Hill around Saminaka in Shanga Local Government Area, a border town between Kebbi and Niger on Friday.

“The team dislodged a large number of bandits and rescued six kidnap victims.

“The victims had earlier been reported as missing, whereas they had been abducted a long time ago,’’ he stated.

Sarki also commended the bravery of the troops and other security agencies, reaffirming the government’s unwavering support for their efforts to maintain security in the state.