Troops kill 2 kidnappers, recover N10m ransom in Kano

Troops of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation MESA, have rescued a kidnapped victim and neutralised two suspected kidnappers.

The troops also recovered N10 million in ransom within Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Maj. Babatunde Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Zubairu said the operation followed the abduction of Kabiru Aliyu on October 11 at Fanyabo Village, Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area.

Zubairu said the victim was returning from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State at about midnight when he was abducted.

He disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted the victim’s family in Yan Taburmi demanding ransom for his release.

The army spokesman said troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted an ambush in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local hunters.

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Zubairu said the operation led to the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers and the rescue of the victim, while other members of the gang fled into Falgore Forest.

Zubairu added that a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of N10 million paid by the victim’s family as ransom.

He said the recovered money was returned to the victim and his family.

Zubairu quoted the Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Saka Jimoh, as commending the troops for their alertness, professionalism and fighting spirit.

Jimoh reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and preventing further security breaches in the area.