Major CL Datong, who was kidnapped during an attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State by bandits last month has finally regained his freedom.
Recalls that some gunmen suspected to be bandits broke into the Nigerian foremost military school on August 24, killed officers and abducted Major CL Datong.
The abducted Major has been in the kidnapper’s den till he was rescued on Friday.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Ezindu Idimah who confirmed the development, said Datong was rescued by troops.
According to him, the operations leading to his rescue led to the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in Afaka- Birnin Gwari areas of the state, revealing that scores of bandits were killed during the operation, particularly, in the late hours of September 17, 2021.
He said the Division in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies, immediately swung into action by conducting operations in the Afaka general area to find and rescue the officer after a directive by the Chief of Army Staff.
“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 has been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action,” he said.
He lauded the efforts of the NAF, DSS , Nigerian Police and “patriotic Nigerians” who worked tirelessly for the release of the victim.
