Troops from the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army carried out synchronized operations in Kaduna and Niger states, resulting in the elimination of 14 insurgents, the rescue of kidnapped individuals, and the confiscation of weapons. The information was conveyed in an official statement on the Nigerian Army’s X handle, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the acting Deputy Director of Army Relations for 1 Division Nigerian Army, on December 24, 2023.
As outlined in the statement, the troops engaged insurgents in Madawaki, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, on December 23, 2023, neutralizing two insurgents, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The operation led to the recovery of 2 AK rifles, 2 AK rifle magazines, and 1 motorcycle. Subsequently, the troops proceeded to the camp of the insurgents’ leader, Ali Kachalla, rescuing 13 kidnap victims and uncovering items, including an international passport believed to belong to a high-profile associate of the insurgents. The camp was dismantled, and the rescued victims received medical attention before reuniting with their families.
The troops continued to another insurgents’ camp led by Alhaji Laye, which was found deserted. However, a search yielded 4 AK 47 rifle magazines. An insurgents’ storehouse in Madawaki containing various beverages, bottled water, liquid milk, energy drinks, a generator, and other food items was also discovered and subsequently destroyed on-site.
Yahaya further reported that on December 23, 2023, troops neutralized three insurgents in Maidaro, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, recovering one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 rifle magazine, one dane gun, and two motorcycles. In the Kidandan-Yadi general area of Birnin Gwari, troops destroyed an insurgents’ camp, neutralizing five insurgents and recovering 12 motorcycles.
The statement detailed additional operations, including an ambush in the Kachia axis on December 21, 2023, resulting in the neutralization of three kidnappers, the recovery of items, and the rescue of an abducted person. It also mentioned an ambush at Kwanar Batero in Kaduna State on December 24, 2023, where one insurgent was neutralized, and items such as an AK 47 rifle, one magazine, 5 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 3 motorcycles, and one Baofeng radio were recovered.
