Troops of Sector 7 under Operation Safe Haven, working alongside the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, the Civilian Joint Task Force, forest guards and local hunters, have successfully rescued eight abducted persons from Badurum Kasa Forest in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A security source disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria that the rescue followed credible and actionable intelligence pointing to the hideout of the kidnappers.
Acting on the information, the joint security team mobilised to the area at about 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to the source, contact was made with the criminals at about 5:59 p.m., prompting the suspects to flee into the surrounding bushes and abandon their captives in the process.
“All eight victims were rescued unharmed and have been reunited with their families,” the source said.
Those freed during the operation were identified as Mrs Rashida Musa, Mrs Hafsat Nuhu, Mr Zakari Saleh, Miss Hasiya Yahaya, Mr Ahmed Yahaya, Mr Ibrahim Saiba, Miss Salma Yahaya and Mr Sophan Idris.
The source further revealed that security operatives have commenced follow-up operations, including exploitation of the area and pursuit of the fleeing suspects, with the aim of arresting those involved and dismantling the criminal network behind the abduction.
What you should know
The rescue operation highlights ongoing security efforts by troops of Operation Safe Haven and other local security actors to combat kidnapping in parts of Kaduna State.
Acting on intelligence remains a key strategy in disrupting criminal activities, especially in forested areas often used as hideouts by kidnappers. While the victims were rescued without injuries, security forces have continued pursuit operations to arrest the suspects and prevent future attacks.
The development also underscores the importance of collaboration between the military, police, local vigilantes and community hunters in addressing insecurity at the grassroots level.
