Troops operating under Combat Sub-Sector (CSS) X have rescued 148 kidnapped victims in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources said the victims, comprising two adult males and 146 women and children, were rescued at about 1:30 p.m. on May 27 at Kotonkoro in Mariga LGA.
According to the sources, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been held in captivity for about three months by terrorists suspected to have operated from Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara State.
The victims were reportedly abducted from villages in Wamba District of Mariga LGA.
The sources added that following the rescue operation, the victims were escorted to the Mariga Local Government Headquarters in Bangi and handed over to local authorities for reunion with their families.
Security operations are ongoing in parts of Niger and neighbouring states to combat kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
By: Zagazola Makama
