In recent times, the state has emerged as a hotspot for terrorists who have kidnapped over 300 people.
In the same Kajuru LG on March 12, 2024, no fewer than 61 people were reportedly abducted by suspected terrorists
According to a statement on Monday night by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops went after the terrorists who had attacked the Tantatu community and abducted residents.
He added that the troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle which led to the rescue of the 16 kidnapped residents.
The statement read, “Nigerian Army troops deployed in 1 Division area of responsibility in Kaduna State have successfully averted a kidnap attempt by a violent extremist and insurgent group and rescued the abductees in Tantatu Community of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“Responding to actionable intelligence, the troops on 17 March 2024 at about 10:30 p.m. swiftly tracked the insurgents who had earlier attacked the community in numbers and abducted some of the villagers as hostages.
“On arriving at the scene of the incident, the troops tenaciously pursued the insurgents, engaging them in a ferocious exchange of fire and consequently rescuing 16 kidnapped victims.”
Onyema noted the troops were still on the trail of the terrorists.
“The troops are still exploiting the bushes in continuation of the search and rescue operations to extricate other victims and stop the nefarious activities of the insurgents.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja commended the troops for the successful rescue of the kidnap victims and charged them to remain vigilant as they conduct ongoing counter-insurgency operations to liberate all troubled areas in the country,” he said.
