Nigerian Army troops have successfully cleared out bandits from various hideouts and rescued Ismail Umar, the 25-year-old son of the Emir of Pupulle in Taraba State.
He was kidnapped along with 3 others according to SaharaReporters.
The news platform reports however, that the troops dislodged the bandits on Friday.
The military in a joint operation with security operatives reportedly engaged the bandits on the hills of Gampu in the Yorro Local Government Area of the state; forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
The spokesperson for the 6 Brigade in Jalingo, Lt. Olubodunde Oni, disclosed this to our correspondent on Sunday.
He said, “In the continued fight against banditry and kidnapping in Taraba State, troops of 114 Battalion (Rear) of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security forces, successfully destroyed multiple bandits’ hideouts and rescued four kidnap victims.
“The swift and decisive operation to flush out bandits and kidnappers disturbing the peace in Yorro LGA and its environs commenced on 2nd February 2024.
“Troops came in contact with bandits at Gampu hills and Ban Yorro area and exerted superior firepower which made the bandits to flee the location, leaving behind their abducted victims. The operation is still ongoing to ensure that other kidnapped victims who fled the area during the exchange of fire are found and reunited with their loved ones.
“The rescued kidnapped victims are Genesis M Samuel, aged 24 from Ganku village, Benard Denis, aged 28 from Fulfualgon village, Esther Titus aged 35 from Kosanai village and Ismail Umar, aged 25, who is the son of the Emir of Pupulle, abducted at his residence on 18 January 2024.
“The Brigade is committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and dismantling all criminal infrastructure in Taraba State. Members of the public are urged to continue to support the military by giving credible and timely information on suspicious movements to aid in improving security within the state.”