After 25 days in the bandits’ den, Major Christopher L. Datong, abducted by bandits at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna has breathed fresh air.
Bandits attacked the NDA on August 24, 2021, killing two senior officers in the process.
On Friday night, the Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Ezindu Idimah, announced the rescue of Datong from the kidnapper’s den.
Idimah said the operation leading to his rescue brought about the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in Afaka- Birnin Gwari areas of the state. According to him, scores of bandits were killed during the operation, particularly, in the late hours of September 17, 2021.
“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 with superior fire.
‘’In the process, the gallant troops were able to rescue the abducted officer. However, the officer sustained a minor injury but he has been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action,” he said.
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.