PICTORIAL: Troops Raid Kidnappers’ Hideout, Rescue 8 Kidnap Victims In Kaduna Forest

In another crushing blow to criminal elements, troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), acting on credible and actionable intelligence, have launched a swift and coordinated offensive into a known kidnappers’ hideout at Badurum Kasa Forest, Kauru local government area of Kaduna State, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

A statement posted on the verified Facebook page of the Nigerian Army, @HQ Nigerian Army, on Thursday morning, said the troops, operating in synergy with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards and local hunters, advanced decisively into the forest to launch attack.

“At about 1759 hours, contact was made, triggering panic among the kidnappers who, unable to withstand the superior force and precision of the joint team, abandoned their captives and fled in disarray into the surrounding bushes.

“The successful operation led to the rescue of eight kidnap victims unharmed and successfully reunited with their families. Those rescued include Mrs Rashida Musa (19), Mrs Hafsat Nuhu (18), Mr Zakari Saleh (52), Miss Hasiya Yahaya (13), Mr Ahmed Yahaya (14), Mr Ibrahim Saiba (11), Miss Salma Yahaya (14) and Mr Sophan Idris (18),” the statement said.

It added that the decisive action stressed the Nigerian Army’s robust inter-agency synergy, agile ground manoeuvres and relentless resolve to protect lives, secure critical routes and deny criminal elements the freedom of action.