NDA Attack: Troops rescue Maj Datong after 24 days in captivity

A combined effort of the Nigerian Army, Airforce and other security agencies has resulted in the rescue of Major Christopher Datong who was abducted during the attack by bandits on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna on August 24, 2021.

Maj Datong’s rescue was disclosed by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Col Ezindu Idimah, in a statement issued in Kaduna.

According to Col Idimah, the abducted officer regained his freedom on Friday, September 17, 2021.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs had earlier issued a directive after the abduction of the officer, that he be rescued and his abductors, fished out.

The spokesperson said sequel to the directive, the 1 Division, in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies, swung into action by conducting operations in the Afaka general area of Kaduna, to locate and rescue the officer.

He explained that the operations were conducted based on several leads received from various sources regarding the abductors, and likely locations the officer was held.

• NDA: Officers killed by bandits revealed

Idimah stated that the operations were sustained since the abduction of the officer, resulting in the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in the Afaka- Birnin Gwari general area, and the neutralization of scores of bandits, particularly in the late hours of September 17.

He said upon arrival at a camp suspected to be the location where Datong was being held, the troops exchanged fire with the bandits and in the process, the abducted officer was rescued.

However, he said the officer sustained a minor injury, but had 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 on 24 August 2021,” Idimah said.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Defence Academy, Maj. Bashir Jajira, also confirmed the rescue of the officer.

It can be recalled that Chronicle NG reported an attack by bandits on the NDA , where two officers were killed and one other (Maj Datong), was abducted.

A Lieutenant Commander simply identified as Wulah and Flying Lieutenant CM Okoronwo were identified as the victims who were shot dead during the invasion.

The bandits broke into the prestigious military institution around 1am.

A source within the barracks said the attackers struck when many were asleep.