By Ayodele Oni
Rescue operation to free abducted students of the Federal University Zamfara state has commenced as Operatives of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) intercepted the abductors of the female students.
Suspected bandits reportedly invaded the hostels of the Federal University, Gusau (FUG) early Friday and kidnapped 23 students mainly females.
It was gathered that the troops of the OPHD that pursued the kidnappers traced them into a thick forest and engaged them in a gun duel supported by air components of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Sources within the military said, so far six among the abducted students were rescued, scores of the Bandits killed and recovered rifles, motorcycles and other items.
The rescue operation was triggered following the abduction of the students from their rented hostels at Sabon gida village in Gusau.
Earlier, the Commander 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, Brig Gen S Ahmed who is also the Commander of the Operation Hadarin Daji incharge of Zamfara and Kebbi states, was said to have led troops who advanced toward the Bandits exit route.
Residents of villages around the forest said fighter jets are currently hovering around the forest and that they were hearing heavy sounds of either guns of explosives indicating a serious fire exchange.
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