Troops, Police rescue eight kidnap victims in Kaduna forest

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 7 of Operation OPEP, working alongside the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), forest guards and local hunters, have rescued eight abducted persons from Badurum Kasa Forest in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The operation was carried out on January 28 after intelligence revealed the location of the kidnappers’ hideout.

The joint team reportedly mobilised at about 4:23 p.m. and advanced into the forest, making contact with the kidnappers around 5:59 p.m. On sighting the security forces, the criminals abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding bushes.

All eight victims were rescued unharmed and promptly evacuated from the forest.

They were identified as Rashida Musa, Hafsat Nuhu, Zakari Saleh, Hasiya Yahaya, Ahmed Yahaya, Ibrahim Saiba, Salma Yahaya and Sophan Idris.

The rescued victims were reunited with their families after undergoing medical checks and initial debriefing. Meanwhile, troops have launched follow-up operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects.