Major CL Datong, who was kidnapped during an attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State by bandits last month has finally regained his freedom.
Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Ezindu Idimah, who announced the release on Friday night, said Datong was rescued by troops.
Recall that some gunmen suspected to be bandits broke into the Nigerian foremost military school on August 24, killed two senior officers and abducted Major CL Datong.
The abducted Major has been in the kidnapper’s den till he was rescued on Friday.
According to him, scores of bandits were killed during the rescue operation, particularly, in the late hours of September 17, 2021.
He said the operations led to the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in Afaka- Birnin Gwari areas of the state.
He said the Division in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies, immediately swung into action by conducting operations in the Afaka general area to find and rescue the officer after a directed by the Chief of Army Staff.
He said, “The troops arrived at a camp suspected to be the location where Maj CL Datong was being held. At the camp, the troops exchanged fire with the bandits and overwhelmed them superior fire.
“In the process, the gallant troops were able to rescue the abducted officer. However, the officer sustained a minor injury but has been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action.”
He commended the efforts of the NAF, DSS , Nigerian Police and “patriotic Nigerians” for their invaluable support which contributed to the success of this operation.
He said their operations will continue until they capture or neutralize the assailants that killed two (2) officers in the NDA.
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