Nigerian Army Rescues 11 Kidnap Victims After 92 Days in Captivity
In a significant security breakthrough, troops from the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued eleven kidnapped victims in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The rescue operation, which marks a major victory against criminal elements in the region, was officially confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Coordinated Operation Along Key Transport Route
The successful rescue was executed following a meticulously coordinated military operation along the critical Kaduna-Abuja road axis. According to the detailed Army statement, the victims had been abducted from the Gada Mallam Maman community on October 26, 2025, enduring ninety-two days of captivity before their liberation.
The statement emphasized: "In a sophisticated display of modern warfare and tactical precision, the Nigerian Army has recorded another major operational success with the rescue of eleven kidnapped Nigerians during a late-night operation on January 26, 2026 along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway corridor, reaffirming its resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action."
Surveillance Technology and Swift Ground Action
The operation showcased the effective integration of advanced surveillance technology with agile ground forces. Troops from the Forward Operating Base Doka utilized high-definition, long-range CCTV surveillance systems to detect armed terrorists attempting to move their captives through the Gidan Duna–Amale bush track under cover of darkness.
Upon detection, the military immediately initiated a coordinated interception. A swift high-speed pursuit employing tactical vehicles and motorcycles overwhelmed the criminals, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding scrubland. This decisive action successfully averted their planned escape into more remote hinterland areas.
Composition of Rescued Victims and Operational Impact
The rescued individuals comprised five adult males, three adult females, and three children, all of whom had been held since their abduction nearly three months prior. Their rescue brings a conclusive end to what the Army described as "92 days of ordeal" for the victims and their families.
The military statement further highlighted: "This decisive action highlights the Nigerian Army's effective integration of modern surveillance technology with agile ground operations and stresses its relentless commitment to protecting lives, securing key routes and ensuring that criminals find no refuge by day or by night."
The operation represents a tangible demonstration of the Nigerian Army's ongoing efforts to enhance security along vital transportation corridors and combat kidnapping activities that have plagued certain regions of the country. The successful use of surveillance technology combined with rapid response capabilities sets a precedent for future counter-kidnapping operations in Nigeria's security landscape.
