Troops of Sector 7 under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have rescued eight kidnapped victims following a coordinated raid on a known kidnapper’s hideout in Badurum Kasa Forest, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This was disclosed in a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Thursday.
According to the statement, the operation, carried out on January 28, 2026, was based on credible and actionable intelligence.
It was gathered that the troops advanced into the forest in collaboration with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards and local hunters.
The military noted that contact was made with the criminal elements at about 5:59 p.m., triggering panic among the kidnappers.
During the operation, the suspects abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding bushes.
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All eight victims were rescued unharmed and later reunited with their families.
Those freed include Rashida Musa (19), Hafsat Nuhu (18), Zakari Saleh (52), Hasiya Yahaya (13), Ahmed Yahaya (14), Ibrahim Saiba (11), Salma Yahaya (14) and Sophan Idris (18).
The Nigerian Army said the successful operation underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, agile ground manoeuvres and sustained pressure against criminal networks.
The army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, securing key routes and denying kidnappers freedom of action across Kaduna State and beyond.
