Two bandits were killed while 28 kidnapping victims have been rescued by members of the vigilante group after an encounter with bandits in a bush bordering Toto LGA of Nasarawa State and Kotonkarfe in Kogi State.
The chairman of Toto LGA, Alhaji Aliyu Tashas Abdullahi, confirmed the rescue operation on Friday while handing over the abducted victims to their families at the local government secretariat in the presence of the police divisional officer of the area.
He said the operation was carried out through the combined efforts of the Miyetti Allah, vigilante group and the vigilantes in the area, who stormed the bandits’ camp to rescue the victims after a gun battle.
According to him, the rescue operation was led by the leaders of Miyetti Allah and vigilantes, Malam Akajo and Musa Jambo, adding that the people rescued were abducted from communities in Kogi, Nasarawa and the FCT.
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He disclosed that one propelled grenade tube and army uniforms were recovered in the camp, adding that some foodstuffs and hard drugs were also found and destroyed at the den.
The chairman, while reiterating his administration’s commitment to the ongoing fight against kidnapping and banditry in the area, commended the vigilantes for their bravery in rescuing the victims.
He also commended the state government, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, for its efforts in tackling insecurity in the state.
