The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Major Christopher Datong, who was kidnapped by bandits on August 24, 2021, has regained his freedom.
Datong was kidnapped when bandits invaded the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Afaka, Kaduna, killing two officers identified as Lieutenant Wulah and Flight Lieutenant Okoronkwo.
Deputy director, Army public relations, 1 Division in Kaduna Col Ezindu Idimah said in a statement that the officer was rescued in the late hours of Friday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, several identified bandits’ camps in the Afaka- Birnin Gwari area were destroyed while scores of bandits were neutralised during the rescue mission.
Idimah said upon arrival at a camp suspected to be the location where Datong was being held, the troops exchanged fire with the bandits and in the process, the abducted officer was rescued.
However, he said the officer sustained a minor injury, but had been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action.
“Our operations will continue until we capture or neutralize the assailants that killed two officers in the NDA on 24 August 2021,” Idimah said.
NDA spokesman Maj. Bashir Jajira also confirmed the rescue of the officer.
