In the early hours of August 6, 2023, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Special Forces on a night patrol near Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State freed 7 kidnapped victims; 6 women and 1 man.
According to the Intelligence gathered, the terrorists fled into a nearby woodland after abandoning their victims when they saw the soldiers. The female kidnapped victim admitted to being abducted from Paikoro in Niger State during questioning, while the lone male victim said that he was taken against his will from Rijau in Niger State.
The victims were later transferred to the NAF Medical Centre in Birnin Gwari for evaluation and released after being thoroughly monitored, but the male victim is still being watched.
“The female victims on interrogation revealed that they were kidnapped from Paikoro in Niger State while the lone male victim stated that he was picked up against his will from Rijau in Niger State. On sighting the troops, the terrorists abandoned their victims and fled into a nearby forest, ” NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said on Monday.
He added that the victims are currently in its medical facility in Kaduna.
“The victims were subsequently taken to NAF Medical facility at Birnin Gwari for review and subsequently released, less the male victim who is still being observed, ” the statement added.
Gabkwet noted that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the efforts of the troops while calling for intensified efforts towards ensuring all areas within Kaduna State and environs are free of terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.
