Kaduna State government has confirmed that 10 kidnapped victims have been released after security personnel used airstrikes to target bandit locations in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, and Chikun LGAs.
In a statement released on Friday, Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed this and stated that ten people had escaped from various locations throughout the state.
They were identified by their first names: Muhammadu Maitireda, Musa Adamu, Dahiru Garba, Badamasi Halilu, Malam Alawiya, Maimuna, Adama, Garba, Ahmad, and Luka.
According to him, the reports received from the troops indicated that the air component of Operation Whirl Punch dislodged bandits as they recovered motorcycles, and weapons in Birnin Gwari LGA.
He said reports from the troops showed that the hideouts of bandits identified as Alhaji Ishiaka (in Igabi LGA) and Dan Rani (in Birnin Gwari LGA) were targeted and destroyed with rockets.
Similarly, troops of Operation Forest Sanity conducted fighting patrols along the Gyam-Kuriga-Manini-Udawa-Buruku road in Birnin Gwari LGA and exchanged fire with the bandits who ran into the bush, while AK47 rifle, seven motorcycles, nine rounds of ammunition and one Baofeng radio charger was recovered.