The Nigerian Army has rescued Major CL Datong who was abducted at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) permanent site on August 24, 2021.

He was rescued by the troops at the camp of his abductors in Afaka-Birnin Gwari general area on Friday.

A statement from Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division, Ezindu Idimah, said the division swung into action in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies, following the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for 1 Division Nigerian Army to find and rescue the major.

It read, “The operations which have been sustained since the abduction of the officer proved quite successful and led to the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in the Afaka-Birnin Gwari general area and neutralization of scores of bandits particularly, in the late hours of today, 17 September, 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 for overwhelmed them superior fire. In the process, the gallant troops were able to rescue the abducted officer. However, the officer sustained a minor injury but has been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action.

“The Division wishes to commend the efforts of the NAF, DSS, Nigerian Police and patriotic Nigerians for their invaluable support which contributed to the success of this operation. Our operations will continue until we capture or neutralize the assailants that killed two officers in the NDA.”