NDA Security Breach: Kidnapped Army Major Datong Regains Freedom

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – After more than 25 harrowing days in the kidnappers’ den, Major Christopher L. Datong, who was abducted during bandits’ attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State has finally regained his freedom.

In that attack on Nigeria’s foremost military school on August 24, 2021, two officers were killed and Major Datong ferried away by the yet-to-identified gunmen.

However, the cheering news came late on Friday, September 17, 2021, with the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Ezindu Idimah confirming that 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 Kebbi state.

Colonel Idimah said in the ensuing confrontation, 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 (DSS) 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 was immediately treated in a medical facility before being handed over to NDA for further action,” he said.

The Army Public Relations Officer lauded efforts of the security agencies that effected the operations as well as other “patriotic Nigerians” who worked tirelessly to free the kidnapped officer, assuring that the operations will continue to ensure all those still being held are rescued from their abductors.