The Nigerian Army said on Saturday that its troops of 33 Brigade have killed seven kidnappers and destroyed some camps during a patrol of some villages in Bauchi state on Friday.
A statement signed by Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman said the troops’ action followed a tip off which brought them in contact with the suspected kidnappers at Lame Burra forest near Dutsen Ganye, Gunduru and Kati Layin villages, Bauchi State.
Usman said, “During a heavy exchange of fire, the troops killed 7 of the kidnappers and destroyed their camps.
“They also recovered 2 AK-47 rifles and 3 Dane guns at the camp.
“The troops are still combing the general area to further track down other fleeing members of the criminal gang.
“It is important to state that the Brigade after the initial successes of its Operation FOREST KUNAMA, which was aimed at clearing all livestock rustlers and armed bandits camps in Bauchi and Gombe States general area, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) directed them to maintain continued presence at the Lame-Burra forest.
“This is to prevent the criminal elements that fled from returning.
“Subsequently, 2 Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) were established at Lame and Jimi to cover the Lame and Burra axis of the forest respectively.
“Troops usually carry out periodic fighting patrols into the forest from the FOBs.
“In a related development, troops on Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed at Forward Operation Base (FOB), Buratai in conjunction with local vigilante arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist named Adamu Damuna.
“He is currently being interrogated.”
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