In a decisive early morning operation, troops of the Nigerian Army successfully rescued ten women who had been held captive by kidnappers in Kaduna State. The daring rescue mission also led to the recovery of a significant sum of ransom money intended for the criminals.
Dawn Raid Thwarts Ransom Collection
The rescue unfolded in the Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Friday, December 5, 2025. According to a credible military source at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the troops of Operation Peace Shield, specifically from Sector 5, had been on a sustained search-and-rescue mission since the victims were abducted.
The breakthrough came around 6:40 a.m. on Friday when the soldiers, acting on intelligence, intercepted the kidnappers. The criminals were reportedly in the process of collecting ransom money from the relatives of the abducted women. The troops engaged the kidnappers with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding area.
Recovery of Arms and Ransom Money
Following the confrontation, the soldiers secured the area and made critical recoveries. The items seized from the scene included:
- A fabricated AK-47 rifle.
- One round of 9mm ammunition.
- The sum of N1.6 million, identified as part of the ransom payment.
The source confirmed that the ten rescued women, who were originally abducted from their farms at Unguwan Nungu village on November 29, have been safely debriefed by security personnel. They have since been reunited with their relieved families, marking a joyful end to their ordeal.
Army Leadership Commends Troops, Vows Sustained Pressure
The military source emphasized the Nigerian Army's unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security across the nation. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was briefed on the successful operation and personally commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism.
"The Chief of Army Staff urged the troops to sustain the tempo and maintain the pressure against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements terrorizing innocent citizens," the source stated. Meanwhile, a manhunt is actively underway to track down and apprehend the kidnappers who fled the scene during the operation.
This operation in Sanga LGA stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts by security forces to combat the scourge of kidnapping and banditry in the region, offering a measure of hope to affected communities.
