The Nigerian Army’s Sector 7 of Operation OPEP, in collaboration with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, Civilian Joint Task Force, Forest Guards, and local hunters, has successfully rescued eight kidnapped individuals from Badurum Kasa Forest in Kaduna State’s Kauru Local Government Area. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the rescue operation was carried out on January 28, following credible intelligence on the kidnappers’ hideout.

The joint security team mobilized around 4:23 p.m. and advanced into the forest, where they encountered the suspected kidnappers at approximately 5:59 p.m. The kidnappers, caught off guard, abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding bushes. The rescued individuals, who were unharmed, were immediately evacuated from the forest for medical evaluation and debriefing.

The rescued individuals include 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. They have since been reunited with their families.

The Nigerian Army, along with other security agencies, has launched follow-up operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle remaining criminal elements in the forest.