Troops foil kidnap attempt near Zuma barracks, rescue 2 victims in gun duel

In a daring pre-dawn operation on Wednesday, Nigerian troops stationed near Zuma Barracks in Niger State successfully foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims during a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits.

The operation, which took place around 5:30 a.m., occurred behind Zuma Rock, close to Chachi village in Tafa Local Government Area, and showcased the swift response of the security forces in a region known for rising threats of banditry.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, the soldiers engaged the armed assailants in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.

According to the security expert, following reports of sporadic gunfire, troops arrived the location and found a black 2008 Honda Accord with registration number KUR 395 AA abandoned in a pit, bearing gunshot holes on its front doors.

It was gathered the troops engaged the attackers in a shootout, thwarting the kidnap attempt and rescuing the occupants of the vehicle.

The victims, identified as Samson Audu of Bakusa, Dei-Dei, and his girlfriend, Joy Bassey, sustained injuries during the attack.

Audu was shot in the right hand, while Bassy suffered a head injury.

They were rushed to Right Care Hospital in Dakwa, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding well.