Air Force rescues three in Zamfara

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through its 207 Quick Response Group (QRG) in Gusau, Zamfara, has rescued three kidnap victims that had been held captive for weeks.

A statement yesterday in Abuja said the rescue was made through coordinated air and ground operations on armed bandits’ positions at Daji Kagara area of Zurmi Local Council of the state.

The mission, which was conducted by personnel of NAF Special Forces, followed human intelligence reports and subsequent confirmation by the force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, of the hideout of the gunmen.

The statement reads in part: “The recently deployed EC-135 helicopter and one of the NAF’s ISR platforms provided the needed air support for the Special Forces to execute the rescue mission.
 
“It may be recalled that the NAF recently deployed a weaponised EC-135 helicopter to 207 QRG Gusau as part of efforts aimed at intensifying the fight against armed banditry in Zamfara State and environs.”
 
It added: “More coordinated air and ground operations will be executed in the coming weeks towards improving the security situation in the state.”