Troops of Forward Operation Base (FOB), Ningi of 33 Artillery Brigade have conducted a fighting patrol at Dutsen Dumburum, Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, during which they killed several kidnappers and rustlers. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said that the operation took place on Saturday and was launched “following received information from well meaning members of the public.”

He said in a statement: “Earlier intelligence reports confirmed the presence of kidnappers and cattle rustlers in the locality which made the troops to swing into action by organising a fighting patrol to the area.

“During the patrol, the team encountered the armed bandits and after fierce exchange of gun fire, they were overpowered. The troops killed 3 of the armed bandits and rescued 3 kidnapped females held hostage by the bandits pending payment of ransom. The patrol team also recovered many items including arms and ammunitions before destroying the camp.

“The recovered items include 2 AK-47 rifles, 2 locally made Small Machine Guns (SMGs), 1 Double-barrelled Dane Gun, 68 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunitions and 4 AK-47 rifle Magazines. Others include 2 Boxer Motorcycles and 2 Mobile telephone handsets.”

•Photo shows an abandoned cattle rustlers’ camp.