The Nigerian soldiers, in a recent rescue operation, successfully freed four kidnapped farmers and killed three armed bandits in Kaduna State.
The encounter occurred on Sunday, November 4, 2024, in the Mai-Iddo village area within the Kachia Local Government Area (LGA) where the Nigerian army took swift action when alerted to the kidnappings in nearby villages.
The bandits had reportedly abducted two farmers from Mai-Iddo village, while two others, including a woman, were kidnapped from a farm in Arikon village.
Villagers in both areas had been on edge, as local farms are increasingly targeted by bandit groups seeking ransom. The continuous threat has led residents to plead for government intervention to protect rural communities and restore safety.
Responding to reports of the kidnappings, Nigerian soldiers launched a search-and-rescue mission in the forested areas surrounding Kurmin-Kare village. The dense forest terrain has served as a cover for bandits, making it a strategic but challenging area for security operations.
The soldiers, who were carrying out clearance patrols in nearby Kagarko LGA, identified a hideout in the forest believed to be a stronghold of the bandit group.
The operation quickly escalated as the soldiers encountered armed resistance from the bandits, leading to an intense gunfight. In the end, three of the attackers were fatally shot. A source close to the operation noted that the soldiers managed to outmaneuver the assailants and secure the release of the four hostages without any casualties among the security forces or civilians.
Following the successful rescue, security forces have intensified patrols in and around Kachia LGA, aiming to dismantle remaining bandit camps and prevent further kidnappings.
