Army confirms rescue of Islamic cleric 5 others in Katsina

The Army has confirmed the rescue of Sheik Ahmed Suleiman, a renowned Islamic cleric and five others, kidnapped in Katsina State on March 14.
The Commander, 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, Brig.-Gen. L.T. Omoniyi, confirmed the rescue in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Omoniyi, the captives were released in the early hours of Wednesday.
He also said that all the rescued victims were “in good health condition as ascertained by the medical examination conducted on them by the brigade’s medical centre.
The commander said that the incident occurred along Kakumi-Kankara road, a general area in Kankara Local Government Area of the state on March 14.
Omoniyi said that the rescue of the victims was sequel to the order by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai to the brigade to carry out the operation.
He said the operation was conducted with relevant security agencies, while the Nigeria Army Directorate of Military Intelligence provided actionable intelligence and guidance for the brigade in the operation.
The commander reaffirmed the commitment of the 17 brigade of the Nigerian army to ensure safety of lives and property in the state. (NAN