The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued 13 farmers kidnapped by bandits in Kuyelo community in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Col Ezindu Idimah who made the disclosure in a press statement issued on Monday in Kaduna said the feat followed distress calls from good Samaritans. 

Col. Idimah said after the call, an Army patrol team stationed at Super Camp Kuyelo swiftly pursed the bandits and kidnappers and rescued all the 13 kidnapped farmers after a serious exchange of gunfire.

He said one of the criminals was neutralized during the encounter while others escaped with gunshot wounds, adding that soldiers were currently combing the general area which borders Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna states. 

“The General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj.-Gen Faruk Yahaya has enjoined troops to always be proactive and decisive in dealing with criminals and associated insecurity in their respective areas of responsibilities,” the statement said. 

It added: “The GOC further urged law abiding citizens to go about their routine lawful activities without fear of molestation.

“He also solicited the cooperation of the local communities in areas of giving truthful information that would assist troops and other security agencies in the discharge of their duties of defending them from the bandits and other criminals.”