Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnapped victim, neutralised two suspected kidnappers and recovered ₦10m reportedly paid as ransom during an operation in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The operation was carried out by troops of 3 Brigade, Operation MESA, in collaboration with the police, Department of State Services and local hunters following the abduction of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu on October 11.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Major Babatunde Zubairu, said Aliyu was abducted at Fanyabo village while returning from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State at about midnight.
According to the statement, the kidnappers subsequently contacted the victim’s family in Yan Taburmi village, Falgore Forest, and demanded a ransom for his release.
The statement said security operatives acted on credible intelligence to track the suspected kidnappers and mounted an ambush in the area.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected members of the gang and the rescue of Aliyu, while other members reportedly escaped into the forest.
“During a subsequent search of the area, the troops recovered ₦10 million reportedly paid by the victim’s family as ransom. The recovered money was subsequently returned to the victim and his family,” the statement said.
The recovery of the money followed the operation to rescue Aliyu, who had been held by the suspected kidnappers after his abduction. The Army did not disclose how many other members of the gang escaped or whether further arrests had been made as of the time of the statement.
The Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commended the troops for their alertness, professionalism and fighting spirit during the operation.
Jimoh described the troops’ conduct as commendable and reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.
He said the Army would continue efforts to prevent further security breaches and support other security agencies in tackling criminal activities in Kano State.
The commander also urged residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing the importance of public cooperation in supporting ongoing operations and maintaining peace.
Falgore Forest and surrounding communities fall within an area where security operations require cooperation among military personnel, police officers, intelligence agencies and local residents. Timely information from communities can help security operatives identify threats, track suspects and respond to abductions.
The operation also highlights the role of joint security efforts in responding to kidnapping incidents, particularly when suspected criminals move through forested areas and neighbouring communities.
However, the Army’s statement did not provide further details about the identities of the two suspected kidnappers who were neutralised, the weapons recovered, or the precise circumstances in which the ransom was paid.
West Trybe reports that the rescue of Aliyu and recovery of the ₦10m ransom represent a development in efforts to combat kidnapping in Kano State. Sustained cooperation between security agencies and local communities will remain important in preventing further abductions, tracking fleeing suspects and improving the safety of residents travelling between rural communities and markets.
