Troops Rescue Eight Kidnapped Victims in Kaduna Forest Operation

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Sector 7 of Operation OPEP, in collaboration with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards and local hunters, have successfully rescued eight abducted persons in Kaduna State.

The victims were freed during a coordinated operation at Badurum Kasa Forest in Kauru Local Government Area of the state.
The development was disclosed on Thursday by security analyst Zagazola Makama via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. According to a security source cited by Makama, the rescue mission was carried out on January 28 following credible intelligence on the location of the kidnappers’ hideout.
The joint security team reportedly mobilised at about 4:23 p.m. and advanced into the forest, where contact was made with the suspected kidnappers around 5:59 p.m. On sighting the troops, the kidnappers reportedly abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding bushes.
All eight victims were rescued unharmed and were immediately evacuated from the forest for medical checks and debriefing. They were later reunited with their families.
The rescued persons were identified as Mrs. Rashida Musa, Mrs. Hafsat Nuhu, Mr. Zakari Saleh, Miss Hasiya Yahaya, Mr. Ahmed Yahaya, Mr. Ibrahim Saiba, Miss Salma Yahaya and Mr. Sophan Idris.
Meanwhile, troops have commenced follow-up operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle any remaining criminal elements within the forest.
In a separate security incident, reports emerged of gunshots and explosions at the Niamey International Airport in the Republic of Niger. Witnesses said heavy explosions and sustained gunfire were heard around the airport vicinity.
Although calm has reportedly been restored, the identity of the attackers remains unknown. As at the time of filing this report, no official casualty figures had been released, while Nigerien security agencies are yet to issue a detailed statement as investigations continue into the incident.