The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Colonel Ezindu Idimah in a statement observed that the move,  followed distress calls received from good Samaritans indicating the abduction of some farmers while working on their farms at the outskirts of Kuyelo community.

Colonel Idimah stated that the troops “swiftly pursed the bandits/kidnappers and rescued all the 13 kidnapped farmers after a serious exchange of fire with the criminals”.

“During the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralised, while others obviously escaped with gunshot wounds. Soldiers are currently combing the general area which borders Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States”.

In line with this, The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Major General Faruk Yahaya, has enjoined troops to always be proactive and decisive in dealing with criminals and associated insecurity in their respective areas of responsibilities.

He reiterated the resolve and determination of the Division and indeed the Nigerian Army to combating insurgency, banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other emerging security threats in Nigeria.

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 area of giving truthful information that would assist troops and other security agencies in the discharge of their duties of defending them from the bandits/criminals.