In a decisive early morning raid, troops of the Nigerian Army successfully rescued ten individuals who had been held captive by kidnappers in Kaduna State. The operation, which took place on Friday, December 5, 2025, also led to the recovery of weapons and a significant sum of ransom money.
Dawn Raid Thwarts Ransom Exchange
The rescue mission was launched by soldiers from Sector 5 of Operation Peace Shield. It was triggered by the abduction of several women from their farms at Ungwan Nungu in Sanga Local Government Area on Saturday, November 29. Following the incident, the military initiated an intensive search-and-rescue operation.
Military sources revealed that the breakthrough came at approximately 6:40 a.m. on December 5. Troops intercepted the kidnappers just as they were attempting to collect ransom money from the relatives of the victims. The security forces engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to flee into the nearby forest and abandon their captives.
"Our troops moved in with speed and precision the moment the kidnappers surfaced to collect the ransom. They could not withstand the pressure and fled, abandoning their victims," an Army source stated.
All Victims Rescued Unharmed
The ten individuals rescued comprised a diverse group, including:
- One adult male
- Three male children
- Three elderly women
- Three female children
All victims were confirmed to be unharmed following their ordeal. After being debriefed by security personnel, they were emotionally reunited with their families in the community. A local leader expressed profound gratitude, noting the overwhelming relief felt by the families and praising the troops for their swift response.
Arms and Ransom Money Recovered
During the clearance operation, the troops made significant recoveries from the scene. The items seized include:
- One fabricated AK-47 rifle
- One round of 9mm ammunition
- ₦1.6 million in cash, believed to be part of the ransom payment
These recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities to aid in further investigation and efforts to dismantle the criminal network involved.
Army Reaffirms Commitment to Safety
Reacting to the successful operation, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining pressure on criminal elements across the country. A military spokesperson emphasized the Army's resolve to deny kidnappers and bandits freedom of action.
"The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its commitment to protect law-abiding citizens and ensure that communities across the country can live and work in peace," the spokesperson said.
The Army also called on residents to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and credible information to help dismantle criminal networks operating in rural and urban communities.
