8 Victims Kidnapped by Bandits Rescued As Nigerian Troops Raid Bandits’ Hideout In Kaduna Forest (Photos)

Nigerian security forces have rescued eight kidnapped persons during a joint operation in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 7 of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) following a credible and actionable intelligence on the location of the criminal enclave.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Nigerian Army disclosed that the operation took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, when troops launched a coordinated offensive against the hideout, long suspected to be a staging ground for kidnappings and related criminal activities in the area.

According to the statement, the troops worked in close synergy with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards, and local hunters.

The joint force reportedly advanced decisively into the forest terrain, combing through the dense bushes with precision and tactical coordination.

However, at about 5:59 p.m., contact was made with the kidnappers.

“Unable to withstand the superior firepower, coordination and pressure mounted by the joint security team, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled in disarray into the surrounding bushes,” the Army stated.

As a result of the operation, eight kidnapped victims were successfully rescued without any injuries and were immediately reunited with their families.

Those rescued persons were identified as 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 added, “The successful operation let to the rescue of eight kidnapped victims unharmed and successfully reunited with their families.

“This decisive action stresses 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.”

This development comes at a critical time for Kaduna State, which has faced a persistent wave of mass abductions targeting both rural communities and religious institutions.

While this specific operation in Kauru LGA brought eight people home, the state remains on edge following recent attacks on church members in Kajuru Local Government Area.

About 151 people abducted in a church at Wali, on 18 January, are still in captivity.