In a decisive blow against criminal elements, troops of the Nigerian Army's 1 Division have successfully rescued ten individuals who were being held captive in Kaduna State. The operation also led to the recovery of a significant cash ransom and a weapon.
Coordinated Operation Leads to Breakthrough
The rescue mission was executed by personnel of Operation FANSAN YANMA in the Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna. According to military sources, the operation was the culmination of several days of sustained search efforts aimed at tracking down the kidnappers and locating their victims.
The victims, who included children, had been abducted from their farms at Ungwan Nungu village on November 29, 2025. The criminals had held them for days before the military intervention.
Troops Intercept Ransom Collection, Engage Kidnappers
The breakthrough came in the early hours of Friday. At approximately 6:40 a.m., the vigilant troops made contact with the abductors. The criminals were reportedly in the process of receiving ransom money from relatives of the victims when the soldiers arrived on the scene.
Displaying superior tactics and firepower, the troops engaged the kidnappers in a fierce confrontation. The encounter forced the hoodlums to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush in disarray, prioritizing their own escape over their illicit gains.
Victims Freed, Ransom and Arms Recovered
The swift action resulted in the safe rescue of all ten kidnapped victims. Following their liberation, the individuals were debriefed and have since been happily reunited with their families.
Furthermore, the troops secured valuable items left behind by the fleeing suspects. The recoveries include:
- One fabricated AK-47 rifle
- One round of 9mm ammunition
- The sum of N1.6 million, identified as part of the ransom payment the gang was attempting to collect
Military authorities have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the suspects who managed to escape during the operation. This successful mission underscores the continued commitment of security forces to combat kidnapping and banditry in the region.
